The Experiences of Faculty of Color in Departments of Educational Leadership and Administration: The Role of Emotional and Social Intelligence in Navigating Promotion and Tenure to Achieve the Rank of Associate Professor

This article presents the findings from a qualitative phenomenological study with 21 Faculty of Color in departments of educational leadership and administration who were tenured within the past 7 years. An emphasis was placed on examining the role of emotional and social intelligence as the participants successfully navigated the promotion and tenure process. Results of the study provide three themes: Sense of Belonging Through Community, Understanding Self, and Strategic Recognition of Organizational Environment. Participants were able to draw on the competencies of self-awareness, organizational awareness, and relationship building in ways that positively impacted their tenure and promotion journey.