Corrales, Antonio2023-01-062023-01-062022-122022-11-30December 2https://hdl.handle.net/10657.1/2988ABSTRACT BENDING BARRIERS: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP Barbara A. Ramirez University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2022 Dissertation Chair: Antonio Corrales, EdD The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American women in institutions of higher education in the state of Texas regarding career progression and potential barriers to leadership. Of specific interest is a more in-depth understanding of perceived barriers along the career pathway and strategies suggested by leaders that have reached or exceed beyond what is considered the pinnacle level of achievement in higher education. Oikelome (2017) recognizes what some consider achieving a level of success in higher education by stating, “The college presidency is a benchmark of status and achievement in the academy” (p. 23). A sample of educators at the level of dean or higher was selected to participate in this study to explore their individual perception of barriers that affect the career pathways of African American women pursuing positions in higher education at executive level. The selected literature corroborates the disparity in African American women at the college and university senior executive level. The literature will highlight various challenges related to race and gender. Lastly, the study will review strategies used to overcome barriers to educational leadership. Further research on this topic should include an examination of the career pathways of African American women in two and four-year institutions.  application/pdfenAfrican American womenLeadershipEducationWomenHigher EducationThesis2023-01-06