P42 - The Role of Women Leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Broadening Participation in STEM

Program Abstract: This research examines women academic leaders’ role in broadening participation in science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCUs produce a high percentage of Black STEM graduates which contributes to the nation’s diverse STEM workforce. Additionally, women are known to be transformative leaders. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used in this study to understand the academic women leaders’ role. A semi-structured interview was administered to obtain information on the women’s leadership style or characteristics, STEM success as a leader, and the relationship between women’s leadership and STEM success at their respective institution. The study findings have implications for institutions to capitalize on the significant role women leaders play in the success of students, faculty, and the institution overall.