The purpose of this research study was to explore the strategies African American women use to navigate systemic barriers faced in academia in order to attain and retain higher education positions at the level of academic dean and higher. A narrative inquiry approach was taken using Black feminist theory to explore this phenomenon. A total of eight participants who self-identified as African American women serving in the roles of provost, vice president of academic affairs, associate provost for faculty affairs, and dean participated in the study. This study added to the existing literature by providing strategies African American women can use to navigate and overcome systemic barriers faced in academia, along with the strategies to attain and persist in their roles at the academic dean level and higher. Based on the finding that social-emotional dimensions of wellness are central to African American women's success in senior-level higher education administration, I recommend that African American women utilize support systems, sponsors, spirituality, sisterhood, self-protection, self-control, and self-confidence to achieve career success. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]