Women at the Top: It’s not just About the Climb

A Brief Overview of Female Presidents

Article Review: Women at the Top: It’s not just About the Climb

There is a higher percentage of women going to college and studying in the field of education. Many pursue leadership positions in higher education, but there is a low number of females who become university presidents.   The role of the president tends to be designed by men to serve men, but in the United States, the demographics of the school is almost 60% women (Lynn, 2012). 

In 1882, the first female president was appointed at the all-women Wellesley College in Massachusetts.  After 90 years later in the United States, only 6% of presidents were females (Lynn, 2012).  In 2011, 26.4% of all colleges and universities were women.  Although there is an increase of women serving in the presidency, it is important to analyze some factors of the slow increase. Mentoring is a factor to keep women motivated and inspired in their success of their career by providing support and opportunities.

Traditionally, women and men have completely different leadership styles.  Men are most likely to us the top-bottom style.  In terms in stereotypic "masculine traits" include: confidence, assertive, independent, strength, and aggressive.  In order for women to fit what society perceives for a president position, they first adopt a vast number of men characteristics.  According to recent research, women leaders are more advice-giving, interpersonal, collaborative and patient (Lynn, 2012).  The stereotypic of "feminine traits" are as follow: honesty, congeniality, warmth, compassion and emotional.   Female presidents have strengths in the following styles: flexibility, inclusively and teamwork.  

 The organizational structure is changing from a triangular structure to a leader connected to others.  Today, female presidents obtain servant leadership styles which encompasses motivating and empowering the employees, putting the needs of others first, and accepting individuality.

The journey in becoming a female president in a college or university has its challenges compare to males.  In particular, society does not expect for a woman to serve as a president and she is often judged. For female presidents, balancing personal and professional life is constant battle. Women are judge if they take time off due to their children or to accomplish their day-to-day operations (Lynn, 2012).  In addition, the role of the president’s partner plays on campus is crucial.   Women presidents end up fulfilling both roles, because their male partner is less likely to perform unpaid duties.

Females were approximately one-third of the newly hired presidents in 2012.  The number continues to grow, but younger professionals ought to see more female role models in the echelons of higher education to change society’s perception.

Lynn, G. (2012). Women at the Top: It's Not Just About the Climb. Women in Higher Education , 28-29.