According to recent research, women in higher education continue to consistently be underrepresented at the administrative levels of dean, chief academic officers, provost, and president (Gallant, 2014). There are numerous motives identified by researchers for the persistence of the underrepresentation of women in the top ranks of leadership in higher education institutions. Many women are not afforded the opportunity for advancement to these positions due to lack of knowledge, skills, or political maneuvering; many of these positions are dominated by men.

Beyond Recognition: Faculty Awards as Catalysts for Professional Growth and Institutional Success
Faculty awards are more than acknowledgments of past success; they are strategic tools for advancing both individual careers and institutional priorities and can catalyze professional development and institutional advancement. Building