Mentorship and the Female College President

Despite the increase in the number of women college presidents, the percentage of female college presidents is disproportionately low. Results of some studies imply that mentorship is one factor that facilitates women’s climb up the administrative ladder to the college presidency. This study was designed to examine mentoring relationships among female college presidents. A sample of 91 female presidents at selected independent colleges was surveyed about mentor and mentee relationships and demographics. Findings demonstrate that a majority of the respondents had primary mentors (56%) and also served as mentors (64.4%) to others. Mentorship and multiple mentoring relationships are invaluable in advancing women through the ranks of higher education administration and for increasing the number of female college presidents.