The Value of Professional Development Activities in Advancing the Careers of Women Chief Academic Officers in Community Colleges

Authors

Brent D. Cejda, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

7-2006

Document Type

Article

Citation

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership, Vol. 4, No. 3-July 2006 ISSN: 1541-6224

Comments

(c) 2003 Pro> Active Publications

Abstract

Previous research has shown that there are not distinct career lines leading to the chief academic officer (CAO) position in community colleges. Rather, it appears that a variety of skills and experiences contribute to advancement to this position. This paper examines the perceptions of women CAOs as to the importance of professional development activities to their career advancement. Responses from women community college CAOs from nine states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming) indicate that current position holders perceive that a number of professional development experiences were important to their advancement to the CAO position.