Enhancing Doctoral Completion in Women: Evidence From a Qualitative Study of a Unique Federally Funded Program

Abstract

In an era where campus environments were often unwelcoming to women, and there were few women role models, an innovative program funded by the National Institute of Education produced 100% completion by female and minority doctoral students. At a 25-year reunion, the graduates reflected on their program experiences and careers. Reflections were audiotaped and subjected to thematic narrative analysis. Five themes were identified through the assistance of a large interdisciplinary interpretive group: Freedom to Widen Horizons, We Were Kindred Souls, Women Who Wanted Us to Succeed, It Was a Gift, and Paying it Forward. Findings of the study are highly relevant today, given the persistence of sexism in academia, the underrepresentation of women among holders of doctoral degrees, and the need to better prepare women for faculty and leadership roles.