Judy Meredith

The Glass Ceiling: an Analysis of Women in Administrative Capacities in Public Universities in the Deep South Judy Meredith

This research explores the barriers that have hindered women's ability to acquire top administrative positions in higher education in the Deep South. While more women are attending college nationally, far fewer women attain upper level administrative positions at their universities than do men. Sexism and family/work conflicts are known hindrances in women's ability to assume key leadership roles in higher education. This research examines women's perceptions of such obstacles at public universities in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Women faculty and administrators who were surveyed largely believe that men are the key decision makers at their universities. However, many believe that there are no barriers for women in achieving administrative or upper administrative posts; many of them state they have no intention of seeking higher positions. Improving finances is the primary motivator for those women who would seek administrative promotions. Those respondents with financially dependent families and those who simply desire to make more money state that they would seek administrative and upper administrative positions.