Navigating the Worlds of Geography and Higher Education Administration: A Woman’s Retrospective

The last 50 years have seen radical changes in the position of women in society generally, in higher education, and in the discipline of geography. This autobiographical sketch outlines some of the expectations and constraints experienced by women in the 1960s and 1970s and traces the chronology through which the author navigated some of these conditions. It demonstrates the significance of existing circumstances on individual aspirations and choices, as well as the need for persistence and resilience. It describes the influence of mentors who, in this case, helped the author overcome some of the otherwise constrictive barriers. It concludes with a few words of advice for young women who might currently be considering taking up opportunities in higher education administration.