Journal of College & University Student Housing "Housing While Black" Theme Issue - 73

Black Women Senior Housing Officers
woman to internalize. Instead of adding responsibilities with ill-matched compensation,
expressing confusion at their display of emotion, and putting the organization
ahead of their pain, we implore those who work with Black women in leadership to
monitor how they acknowledge both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of Black
women. Understand that Black women may sacrifice a lot throughout their years to
be in the place they are. Own that when others are tired, a Black woman is exhausted.
Recruit and Retain Talent
The lack of representation of Black women administrators at PWIs calls for more Black
women in these roles. There is a serious need to focus on efforts to recruit and retain
Black women SHOs. Almost every participant indicated that her entry into the housing
and residence life profession was as a resident assistant, and many housing organizations
also employ a significant number of graduate assistants. There is an opportunity
to implement formal programs to develop and retain a diverse talent pool early on the
career ladder.
Hold Institutions Accountable
According to Lloyd-Jones (2009), many African American women administrators employed
at PWIs may experience increased racial discrimination and hostilities due to
the compounding effects of their race and gender. They should not be solely responsible
for addressing diversity and inclusion on these campuses. There must be measures
in place for institutions to assess and improve their efforts to develop and implement
meaningful ways to create welcoming and supportive environments for Black women
to feel a sense of belonging.
CONCLUSION
Both studies demonstrate a need to expand the research about Black women senior
housing officers. While these women represent a small portion of senior-level
administrators in student affairs in higher education, their impact is significant.
They provide oversight for housing and residence life programs with missions centered
on student support, learning, and success. They lead staff within organizations
that serve as practical training grounds for many student affairs professionals.
Despite racial and gendered barriers, Black women SHOs are thriving in their leadership
practice by engaging agency, acknowledging the imperative to be multilingual
in the workplace, lifting others up to influence truly equitable practices, and making
conscious choices about the cost of being a Black woman SHO. Their often-silenced
voices deserve to be heard. We must acknowledge the ways that these women are
defining how to survive and thrive, with the hope that their experiences may serve as
pathways for other Black women leaders. 
70 The Journal of College and University Student Housing
Journal of College & University Student Housing "Housing While Black" Theme Issue

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