Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Michelle Wade, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Liam Lair, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Angela Kline, Ph.D.
Abstract
Racism and sexism create a bottleneck to advancement for women in higher education.
This qualitative study and dissertation investigate the role of mentoring in combating racism and sexism in higher education in the United States as a blueprint for other historical institutions. Twenty-six women of color in four categories (presidents/provosts/chancellors, deans of law and medical schools, vice presidents of diversity, equity, and inclusion/student affairs, and graduate students) of higher education were interviewed to explore their experiences with racism, sexism, and mentor relationships. Findings demonstrate all but one participant (96%) disclosed racial victimization in higher education, all participants (100%) disclosed sexist victimization in higher education, and all participants (100%) disclosed positively impactful mentoring relationships. Mentoring relationships are critical to overcoming institutionalized barriers like racism and sexism in higher education for women and women of color in particular.
Recommended Citation
Gherardi, Michelle R., "The Role of Mentoring in Combating Racism and Sexism in Higher Education as a Blueprint for Other Historical Institutions in the United States" (2025). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 313.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/313
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