An Analysis of NCAA Division I Institution and Conference Senior Woman Administrators' Self-Perception and Career Intentions

In 1981, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mandated that member institutions designate the highest ranking female in the athletic department to be the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) (Bower & Hums, 2013). Based on the research indicating inconsistency in the role of the SWA (Grappenddorf et al., 2008; Hatfield & Hatfield, 2009; Hoffman, 2010; Tiell et al., 2012) and the continuing underrepresentation of women in Athletics Director roles (Acosta and Carpenter, 2014), this study explored variables of the current landscape of the NCAA Division I Senior Woman Administrator, explore whether or not there are differences between NCAA DI competitive levels, and analyze differences in an SWA's desire to pursue a career as an Athletic Director based on a variety of experiential and psychological factors. This survey of over 350 NCAA Division I Senior Woman Administrators revealed that 61% of women with the SWA title have no desire to become an Athletic Director. Significant differences were found between the Football Bowl Subdivision and DI non-football competitive levels with regards to salary, number of mentors throughout career, and the current responsibilities of advocating issues important to both male and female student-athletes, coaches, and/or staff. The results of the study will add to literature and research examining the current state of the NCAA Division I Senior Woman Administrator title.Master of Art