Abstract
This dissertation is a qualitative study that investigated the experiences of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) higher education professionals who hold a position in the President’s Cabinet of a public university in the Western United States. The study utilized human capital theory, social capital theory, and social cognitive career development theory (SCCT) to explore four research questions: (a) What paths do BIPOC higher education professionals take to the President’s Cabinet? (b) What personal, social, and cultural considerations should professionals be mindful of when seeking a position in the President’s Cabinet, and how might this differ by race, gender, or age? Are there particular workplace dynamics that BIPOC professionals should be mindful of? (c) What barriers surface for BIPOC professionals as they seek positions in the President’s Cabinet and how are they approached and mitigated? (d) What role do political leadership and social capital play in one’s trajectory to the President’s Cabinet?
This study found that mentorship plays a significant role in the career success of a BIPOC professional on their path to the President’s Cabinet. Mentorship increases the social capital and human capital and enhances the career development of a BIPOC professional. While most BIPOC professionals do not seem to take a traditional path (faculty, chair, dean, provost, president), a newer stream of nuances seems to be emerging for BIPOC professionals through the benefits of mentorship and sponsorship. Ultimately, this study found that BIPOC professionals have the most successful experiences on their paths to the President’s Cabinet when they are S.P.O.N.S.O.R.ed (Support, Protect, Organize, Notice, Speak-Up, Offer, Recognize).