A qualitative study investigating how spirituality impacts African American male leaders in higher education

The purpose of this study was to understand how African American men who hold leadership positions in higher education define their pathways, struggles, and successes in reaching and maintaining their positions. A particular focus of the research was to understand if and to determine how spirituality has impacted their leadership practices. There have been few studies documenting the pathways of African American men in higher educational leadership. Critical race theory (CRT), with its focus on defining, addressing, and exposing educational problems, framed this study. Additionally CRT sets a framework that allows the experiences of persons of color to be viewed as important and official knowledge. Using this particular theory to frame the study could contribute to the literature by bringing forth voices of leadership that have not been previously heard.; This qualitative study used interviews, observations, field notes, and entries from my reflective journal for data generation and collection. African American men in higher education leadership were asked to participate in one in-depth interview and observation in their work environment.; The stories of Maceo, Percy, James, Andrew, and Samuel (pseudonyms) are divided into two sections. The first section gives detailed demographic information about each participant, and the second section gives a detailed account of the men's conceptualization of leadership and spirituality. Nine themes were uncovered from the data analysis: (1) motivating people, (2) vision, (3) race and racism, (4) who benefited from affirmative action, (5) duality and feeling invisible, (6) the importance of role models and mentors for persons of color, (7) the need for African American men to excel, (8) practices of spirituality, and (9) roots of participants' spirituality. The findings of this study are consistent with results of other researchers who have examined the connection between spirituality and leadership. The men in this study connected their spirituality to their leadership practices by how they treat others and through relationship building. Recommendations coming out of the study are made for educational institutions to develop programs that build positive self-confidence and positive self-image in African American males. Additionally, recommendations are made for future research.