This qualitative study examined how the conforming pressures related to physical appearance influenced the career experiences of senior-level Black women administrators in higher education. Employing a phenomenological approach, the research utilized semi-structured interviews and document analysis to delve into the participants' lived…

Black women have participated robustly in higher education since the first Black women were admitted to American colleges and universities in the mid-1800s. Yet, their presence in administrative roles beyond the mid-level in higher education administration is low. Most scholarship on this topic addresses barriers that have kept Black women out of…

Literature asserts mentorship as a key component to career and personal development. In Higher Education, which is male dominated, African American/Black Women subordinates are challenged with limited access to same-race/same-gender leaders to serve as supervisor-mentors. This Cooperative-Inquiry Action Research study was conducted to provide…

Efforts over the last several decades to increase the participation and leadership of Black men and women in the scientific and medical workforce have had limited results. Despite many individual successes, the number of Black professionals in science, engineering, and medicine (SEM) fields has not reached a level that corresponds with African…

This article explores the effect of mentoring on the career progression of Black and minority ethnic (BME) academics in senior roles in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It draws on 37 interviews with BME academics working in HEIs in the UK and argues that whilst universities present a strong rhetoric of equality and diversity; this is not…

This paper describes the experiences of Black and minority ethnic (BME) academics who consider moving overseas for career opportunities. It explores the barriers that BME academics report in UK higher education, which affects their decisions for overseas higher education migration. Our findings suggest that BME academics were significantly more…

In the context of a rapidly transforming society, the present article discusses issues facing career counselling in higher education in South Africa. Using the Systems Theory Framework of career development, the article considers the multi-levelled and multi-layered national and international context in which the challenges facing career…

The mentor-mentee relationship is a critical aspect of the success trajectories of many foreign-born African American scholars. Within the context of this relationship, both the mentor and mentee have an opportunity to not only exchange ideas and experiences that contribute to success, but more importantly, the sometimes isolated scholar has an…

Describes the dilemmas of women administrators in higher education, focusing on the experiences of several black women who have weighed carefully the trade-offs between senior administrative positions and the needs of family. (SLD)

Surveys of 245 African-American college administrators (175 responses) and 175 African-American corporate executives (71 responses) revealed similar beliefs regarding crucial career achievement factors: communication, goal setting, high personal standards, and self-confidence. Administrators felt that formal education was more important;…

Discusses Collins' model (black women as "outsiders within") as a career development strategy. Uses survey data from 34 academic researchers that show how those who use "outsider" career strategies are intrinsically motivated and may use their research as a form of affirmation. (JOW)

Developed to accelerate availability of professional African American women mentors, the Worldwide Women's Mentoring Model establishes a support system for individuals of similar cultural/ethnic background; helps women from various backgrounds share their cultures, skills, and talents; further broadens group diversity through networking and adding…

Describes a mentoring project that helps black women at a predominantly white university develop career plans and professional development strategies. Focus groups discussed black women's needs, strategies for developing leadership abilities, and career advancement opportunities. Results were used to plan group mentoring sessions to empower…

Uses the developmental-contextual perspective to examine the extent to which contextual and individual factors dynamically interact in the career development of black South African adolescents. Provides examples of interventions that may assist their career development, and discusses implications for counselors. (JPS)

Discusses positive and negative aspects of the professorial career for scholars of color, noting the importance of a sense of belonging, departmental support, and departments with diverse faculty and students. Offers five tips for achieving a more rewarding scholarly career. (DB)