Research Administration: A Historical Retrospective of NCURA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Focused on Gender in Leadership

Abstract

What is new?

This study is a reflective comparison of the data of membership and leadership across industries, with a qualitative retrospective and a discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusion within NCURA, the National Council of University Research Administrators, as that organization had a far higher percentage of female leadership over time.

What was the approach?

The paper focuses on data comparing the NCURA organization with other organizations over time in terms of female leadership, and considers the causes of why that difference exists.

What is the academic impact?

The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) has been at the forefront of female leadership, with both the number and percentage of elected female leaders far outpacing comparable measures in other professions, since the 1970’s. What drove this consistent strength, what allowed female leaders to be elected, and what innovation in practice areas in research administration, drove improved diversity, equity, and inclusion inside the profession?

What is the wider impact?

In addition to female leadership within the organization, NCURA membership today is almost 81% female (as identified from NCURA membership profile data). Could this data point be the sole contributing factor for the massive increase in female leaders within NCURA? This study will consider female leadership both in the organization and the elected officers, specifically the presidency.