Career paths of academic administrators in Alberta colleges: travelling the highway or fording a stream?

Over the next several years it is assumed that there will be a large turnover in academic administrators in the Alberta public college system with many current administrators reaching retirement age. Looking at career paths of current academic administrators may help better prepare future academic administrators. The research questions this study asks are what are the career paths of current academic administrators in Alberta public colleges, and how can these paths inform us about preparing for academic administration in Alberta public colleges? Research done mainly in American colleges show that there appears to be an internal labour market for academic administration. Those with more senior positions in administration are more likely to have higher educational credentials and more likely to be male. There has been some indication that there needs to be more clarity in the career paths for future administrators. The current research was done with the academic administrators in Alberta public colleges who were identified by the senior academic officer in each institution. The administrators completed a survey asking for input on respondent characteristics, educational qualifications, work history, professional development involvement, and perceived barriers. There were over 230 respondents with a response rate of over 80%. The results show an almost even number of males and females, with an average age of 51. Only three percent of the respondents showed intentionality in seeking the position. Senior academic officers were more likely to be appointed to the position. Most participants did not perceive barriers in their career paths, although those in early career perceived more barriers than those in late career. Comparisons of the results of the study with previous American results show differences in mobility and gender. The career path of academic administrators is not straightforward, and seems more like fording a stream than travelling a highway. Implications for future administrators, colleges, the provincial college system, graduate schools, and professional organizations as well as recommendations for future research are included.