Women’s Leadership Thrives in Community Colleges

A Spotlight on Three Female Administrators Making a Difference in the Community College Setting

Article Review: Women’s Leadership Thrives in Community Colleges

            Positions for women in the upper echelon of public administration may be sparse but among community colleges women leaders are paving the way. According to an article featured in Women in Higher Education (2012), one-third of community colleges are led by women (p.9). The article features three women and their perspectives on leadership in higher education with special regard to the community college setting. All three women highlighted in the article were graduates of Rowan University’s doctoral program in community college leadership. The degree title in itself exemplifies the current movement for distinct management in community colleges while promoting the increase of female administration.

            Dr. Karen Archambault, Director of Services for Brookdale Community College, recognizes that rewards may be minimal in an environment that seeks high standards and expectations. As an administrator, she acknowledges that her sense of authority is balanced between ethical and moral decision making, valuing the minority perspective, and instituting responsibility.  Archambault emphasizes that if women desire positions of leadership, roles that are responsible for making decisions, then women need to make their presence acknowledged in order to create such opportunity.

            Dr. Paula P. Pando, Hudson Community College’s Vice President for Student Affairs, understands the notion of being strong and secure with oneself as a female administrator. She prides her leadership style on her strong passion to inspire others. Pando’s perspective on management plays a large factor in her ability to perform her job duties. Being a good manager incorporates the ability to empower others while focusing on the tasks and responsibilities that need to be met. Pando also identified the importance of political judgment, recognizing the policies while using political knowledge with good intention.

            Dr. Elvy Vieira, Associate Dean of Essex County College’s West Essex Campus, has a student-centered philosophy. She is an advocate for students and a leader that empowers staff and students to live up to their desired potential. As an educator her focus is on active learning, establishing a culture that fosters the collaboration of various perspectives. Vieira admits that achieving balance in all aspects, whether work related or personal, is a struggle as an educational administrator with special recognition to women’s issues and unique experiences. Vieira advises women to be aware but not distracted by the imbalance of the current male-dominated structure.

            A woman’s journey transforms her ability to lead. Each woman has a story and a unique perspective to bring to her style of management. In a male-dominated society the increase in women leaders is an improvement in the wellbeing of society. The traditional male-oriented roles are gradually becoming shared amongst women. Is this really an accomplishment in the year 2012? Even if your expectations of society are of higher standards, female leadership should continue to be encouraged and embraced.

Archambault, K., Pando, P. & Vieira, E. (2012, May 1). Women's leadership thrives in community colleges. Women in Higher Education, Retrieved from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-289724574/women-leadership-thrives-community.html