Hispanic leaders in Minnesota: Narratives of Hispanic administrators in Minnesota's colleges and Universities

This qualitative research study employed an in-depth phenomenological interviewing method to reveal the experiences of Hispanic administrators in Minnesota colleges and universities. The purpose of this study was to collect information from current Hispanic administrators on what it is like to be an administrator in Minnesota's colleges and universities, and thus assist in creating a better understanding of their experiences, achievements, contributions, and challenges. It was hoped that the findings would be informative to the participants, to the Hispanic community in Minnesota and nationwide, to colleges and universities interested in recruiting Hispanics for administrative posts, to aspiring Hispanic administrators, and to other education policy making bodies.; Participants took part in three (3) one-hour interviews, scheduled at the participants' convenience over a two-day period. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Each participant was given the opportunity to review and respond to the transcripts of their interviews.; The interview data was analyzed using KIT (Qualitative interview and Therapy Analyser), a computer program for qualitative analysis directly on recorded interviews. The software enabled the digital transfer of the interview data from the digitally taped recordings directly onto the computer hard disk in their original state. This direct download preserved the manifold oral communication phenomena of each interview; participant; not only could their words be read, but every audible utterance remained and maintained its appropriate place within the interview text.; The interview data produced a number of shared themes or connective threads. Themes that were shared across the experience of three or more of the participants were labeled "major themes." Those themes shared by only two of the participants were labeled "minor themes." The "major" and "minor" designators refer only to the frequency of the theme and not its importance.; This study yielded the following major themes from the interview data: (1) the importance of support systems, (2) cross-cultural familiarity as a strength, (3) the idea of being locked into a diversity-related career path, and (4) personal strategies for professional survival. The minor themes that emerged from the data were: (1) discrimination and (2) sources of job satisfaction.