Pay and Representation of Racial/Ethnic Minorities in Higher Education Administrative Positions: The Century So Far

Abstract

CUPA-HR is entering its 50th year of data collection; since 1967, the organization has been collecting data on higher education administrative positions. The decision to begin collecting this data for all higher education positions at this point is strategic. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campuses have increased as student bodies have increased in diversity. Research shows that teaching and research missions are better supported when the faculty, staff, and student bodies are more diverse. It’s important, then, to understand the progress—if any—higher ed has made in the area of diversity. This report provides a summary of how higher education has represented and paid racial/ethnic minorities in administrative positions from 2001 to 2016. For the purposes of this brief, the authors grouped non-White (minority) statuses collectively, given that—until 2012—CUPA-HR collected and reported data for minority/non-minority status alone. In addition, each minority status on its own makes for an extremely small comparison group.