Skip to main content
Article
Increasing the Number of Women Administrators in Kinesiology and Beyond: A Proposed Application of the Transformational Leadership Model
Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal
  • Lynda 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 Andrews, Boise State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2008
Disciplines
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.

Citation Information
Lynda Ransdell, Sarah Toevs, Jennifer White, Shelley Lucas, et al.. "Increasing the Number of Women Administrators in Kinesiology and Beyond: A Proposed Application of the Transformational Leadership Model" Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal (2008)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shelley_lucas/5/