Status and Need: A Study of Women in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration

Abstract

This study of women in athletic administration in higher education was conducted to obtain information related to the administrative placement of women in athletic administration in intercollegiate athletics. This study examined the following variables related to their career placement: age, race/ethnicity, degrees obtained, prior positions held, type of institution where employed, current title and position, number of years the respondent had been in each position and work duties associated with each position. Questions guiding the research were as follows: 1. What are the demographic factors of women either currently in or pursuing career positions as Director of Athletics, Associate Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator, and/or leadership positions in the areas of Compliance, Business/Finance, Event Management, Fundraising/Development, Promotions/Marketing, Sports Information, Student Support Services, and Ticket Sales? 2. What career patterns have current women administrators taken to pursue careers in intercollegiate athletics? 3. What is currently in place to train women pursuing careers in intercollegiate athletics? (NCAA, institutional, professional) 4. Is there a need for mentoring, staff training and development for women pursuing an administrative career in intercollegiate athletics? Although the research did not reveal a specific career pattern, the data from the three hundred seventy four participants in this study offered very specific advice and implications for career growth and development. Common themes found in the survey results were as follows: 1) Networking is a critical component of career success. 2) Mentoring relationships are important for most women who want to advance in the field. 3) Active participation in professional organizations will expose candidates to needed information. 4) Accepting additional administrative responsibilities will increase growth potential. 5) Creating a healthy balance between work and life responsibilities will be a challenge. 6) Obtaining advanced degrees can be helpful for those pursuing management positions.