Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Leadership and Human Resource Development

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to understand how competence and professional connections shaped the career paths of women in senior level administrative roles in Division I collegiate athletics departments. Two overarching research questions guided this study: (1) How do women in leadership roles in collegiate athletics describe their perceptions of the influence of their knowledge and skills (competence) on their career path? (2) How do women in leadership roles in collegiate athletics describe their perceptions of the influence of their network and mentors (professional connections) on their career path? A conceptual framework of critical feminist theory, career construction theory, and a life course perspective guided this study. Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants served as the primary method of data collection and their university published online biographies served as a secondary source of data. Data were analyzed for themes that reflect the experiences related to career advancement of women in collegiate athletics in their early career, while serving in mid-level roles, and in senior level roles. Findings indicate that the professional connections who have working knowledge of women who demonstrate the competency necessary to serve in senior level roles are how career opportunities are presented to aspiring women leaders in Division I collegiate athletics.

Date

6-27-2024

Committee Chair

Robinson, Petra A.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6503

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Available for download on Sunday, June 27, 2027

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