Career paths of female SSAOs

The purpose of this study was to describe the career paths of female senior student affairs officers (SSAOs) in American four-year institutions of higher education. Specific topics investigated included (a) demographic profile, (b) entry level and SSAO stepping stone positions, (c) work experience, (d) formal education, (e) promotion path, (f) career goals, (g) characteristics of the employing institutions, and (h) common career barriers.The population consisted of all 356 female NASPA members employed as SSAOs in American four-year institutions of higher education during the fall of 2000. A survey instrument designed by the researcher was used to gather data.The average age of female SSAOs when they were first appointed to this position was 41 years. The vast majority (81%) was White, and the most frequently reported marital status was married/partnered. Almost one-third of the SSAOs reported jobs in residence life as their entree into student affairs work. Jobs in the dean of students' office were the most frequently reported SSAO stepping stone positions. At the time they were first appointed SSAOs, they had worked an average of 14 years in higher education. Over half (51 %) held a doctorate. Over half (58%) received an internal promotion to their first SSAO position, and over half (57%) accepted this position at private institutions. For over half (55%), becoming an SSAO was a primary career goal at the time they were first appointed to this position. Close to two-thirds (66%) reported no barriers in achieving the first SSAO position.Major conclusions included: (a) student affairs positions that provide exposure, visibility, and connections provide a common career path to the SSAO position; (b) a doctorate has become a virtual necessity for women who aspire to be SSAOs; (c) women in general and minority women in particular have made gains in reaching the SSAO position.Department of Educational LeadershipThesis (D. Ed.