“Each Generation of Women Had to Start Anew”

Deans of Women and Women’s Athletic Directors have a rich history. These women focused on leading women-specific aspects of the cocurriculum on coeducational campuses. Yet, women remain underrepresented in leadership of student affairs and intercollegiate athletics. Despite their legacy, why do so few women hold leadership roles in these areas? In the coeducational period from 1890 to 1972, the purpose ofeducating women students in coeducational institutions was highly differentiated by gender. Women leaders leveraged four strategies to maintain leadership positions but each generation had to start anew. After the emergence ofgender equity policy, symbolized by the passing of Title IX in 1972, only one strategy for women leaders remained. Even after the gender equity era, women leaders today still start anew.