Latina Presidents of Four-year Institutions, Penetrating the Adobe Ceiling: A Critical View

Abstract

In 2007, the nation's Latino population was estimated at 45.5 million, or 15.1% of the 301.6 million total U.S. population. Latinos are the fastest-growing minority group, exceeding 500,000 in 16 states and representing the largest minority group in 20 states (Bernstein, 2008). The number of Latinos is projected to almost triple by 2050 and will represent about 60 percent of the country's growth with about 128 million Latinos, making up 29% of the total projected 440 million U.S. population (Passel, 2008).Latino's continued population growth makes their educational and occupational success, and their ability to self-sustain and to contribute to the greater good, essential to this nation's economy. Since education is the most critical component in the productivity and self-sufficiency of Latinos, it is important that their representation at all levels of education, including students, faculty and administrators increase along with the population growth. However, Latino representation in higher education has not grown proportionately to their increases in the U.S. population (Haro, 2003). Their representation and voice is lacking in the decision-making, top levels of administration, such as vice presidents, provosts, presidents, and chancellors.The under-representation of Latinas in higher education was the impetus for this study, to identify elements affecting their trajectory to the top ranks of administration, including embedded structures, institutionalized filters, and elements within the social selection process that affect their representation in the presidency and other top-level administrative posts of four-year institutions.Their narratives document Latinas' challenges and successes and validate the importance of culture and identity, and the fact that dual culturalism is a source of strength and not a deficit. This study acknowledges bias in higher education and the need to incorporate mentors, champions and other strategic measures to increase Latino representation in graduate programs, faculty and administration. These Latinas' ability to penetrate the adobe ceiling serves as a model and a "counterstory" for others who aspire to top administrative positions. Their insights and recommendations provide a valuable context to inform practice and research.