Achieving Against the Odds

African American Professional Women in Higher Education

by Anita P. Jackson.; Marlene R. Dorsey


Formats

Softcover
£9.49
£6.50
Softcover
£6.50

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 13/07/2009

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 148
ISBN : 9781434377067

About the Book

Achieving Against the Odds : African American Professional Women in Higher Education is an account of the success stories of five African American women administrators and faculty in predominantly White institutions of higher education (PWIs).  While African American women continue to face numerous challenges and obstacles on a daily basis, what was most important in this writing was an examination of the various types of strategies and coping mechanisms they utilized to achieve success in their various positions within the ivory towers of academia.

 

The questions posed here centered on African American women who succeeded and asked “How and why are some African American women able to remain in the university and succeed?  What personal and professional fulfillment do African American women obtain working in a PWI?  How do African American administrators and faculty negotiate demeaning, oppressive, and often exclusionary practices of the university?

 

Utilizing qualitative methodology, the authors gave voice to the observations, reflections and stories of the five African American women administrators and faculty regarding their personal journeys of success and achievement.  In capturing the experiences and perspectives of these “successful” women, the authors provide understanding of pathways to success for others who follow.  Recommendations are offered for the purpose of facilitating a more welcoming academic environment for the gifts and talents African American women bring.


About the Author

ANITA P. JACKSON is a native of Cleveland, Ohio.  She received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University in 1989.  She is Emeritus Professor in Counseling and Human Development of the College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services at Kent State University.  She is also a practicing Clinical Counselor and Supervisor at Muskingum Valley Health Center in Zanesville, Ohio.  Her research interests include HIV/AIDS prevention, stress, and multicultural counseling and women’s issues.  Her research publications focus on these topics as well as African American development.

 

MARLENE R. DORSEY, born in Pittsburgh, PA, is a long time resident of Cleveland, Ohio. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University in 1980.  She is recently retired from her position as Dean of the College of Continuing Studies and Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration in the College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services at Kent State University.  Her research interests include retention, diversity, and leadership issues in higher education.