What changes occur when women become full professors?(research)

When Dr. Florence A. Hamrick presents her research on women who are full professors, it helps explain which women reach that rank and at what price.

Associate professor of higher education at Iowa State University, Hamrick spoke at the Women in Higher Education Leadership conference sponsored by the University of Nebraska Lincoln in September 2004. Speaking with her was Dr. Mimi Benjamin, assistant to the VP for student affairs at Iowa State.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Of 70 female full professors at a research university, 26 agreed to be interviewed for her study. They varied in fields, experiences and styles. "Very different women with very different backgrounds and priorities were all successful. It's not cookie-cuttered," she told WIHE.

Professional identity

First and foremost, they saw themselves as accomplished scholars within their disciplines, Hamrick said. A second professional identity was as mentor and model, especially to women students. Third, as full professors they had the clout to be change agents and offer advice. "I'm part of this institution; here's how I can contribute."

Marginalizing experiences seemed to disrespect their scholarship and experience. These included having token roles on committees and being the lone voice on an issue of fairness or equity.