WOMEN ADMINISTRATORS IN DISTANCE HIGHER EDUCATION: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Currently we know little about the role of women administrators in distance higher education. This exploratory study based on a sample of 26 women administrators provides data on their backgrounds, career ladders, mentoring experiences, administrative concerns, and their view of competencies needed in distance higher education administration. Leadership and faculty concerns were top priorities. The findings of the study indicate that comprehensive faculty and administrative training programs are needed for the design and delivery of distance education. Further development of interpersonal and communication skills need to be encouraged between all personnel in systems. Continued dialog is recommended to rethink and rework workloads, budgetary allocations and tenure criteria. The “Learning Organization” and its leadership model are recommended for implementation in building a new paradigm for the virtual education age.

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