Increasing the Number of Women Administrators in Kinesiology and Beyond: A Proposed Application of the Transformational Leadership Model

Lynda B. Ransdell, Boise State University
Sarah Toevs, Boise State University
Jennifer White, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Shelley Lucas, Boise State University
Jean L. Perry, University of Nevada - Reno
Onie Grosshans, University of Utah
Diane Boothe, Boise State University
Sona K. Andrews, Boise State University

Abstract

In higher education in the United States, women are often underrepresented in leadership positions. When women try administration, they face a higher rate of attrition than their male counterparts. Given the lack of women in leadership positions and the failure of the academy to retain women administrators, a group of women administrators and faculty with many collective years of experience in higher education assembled to write this paper. Our writing group consisted of 2 Chairs, 2 Deans, 1 Associate Dean, 2 pre-tenure faculty members, and a Provost, representing four different institutions. The authors of this paper suggest that applying the proposed model of transformational leadership within the field of Kinesiology may have a two-fold benefit. It may increase the number of women in administrative positions and it may extend how long women choose to serve in an administrative capacity. Components of the model include developing personal and professional characteristics that motivate faculty to perform beyond expectations, and understanding gender-related and kinesiology-specific challenges of administration. In addition, recommendations are made for pursuing careers in administration, and for pursuing future research projects. We hope that through this paper, we have started an important and open discussion about women in leadership roles, and ultimately, encouraged some prospective leaders to consider a career in higher education administration.