Perceived discrimination and the role of mentoring in the survival of racism and/or sexism for six African American women in higher education administration

This study was conducted to examine the racism and/or sexism that African-American women administrators face in their higher education careers. It also sought to determine what role mentoring played in their survival and coping. Qualitative data were provided from an open-ended interview guide during one and one-half hour interview sessions. The interview guide inquired about the specific incidents of perceived racism and/or sexism, the role of mentoring in their coping, the identification of mentors or others in related roles who provided the most beneficial mentoring assistance, and the identification of alternative coping strategies used by these African-American women administrators. The findings show that these African-American women perceived racism and sexism, albeit subtle, to be a part of their everyday existence. Rather than a single, all-purpose mentor, these women received mentoring assistance from a number of persons, including supervisors, colleagues, family, and friends.