Blazing a trail is no easy feat, especially as a minority female breaking into the presidential club in higher education, a traditionally male-dominated arena. Just ask Dr. Pamela Gunter-Smith, who, this summer, became the fourth president of York College of Pennsylvania and stands as the first female and first African-American president of the college.
Recently, I sat down with Gunter-Smith to talk about her newest challenge in leading York College and the past trailblazing efforts that brought her there.
Q: What thoughts were running through your mind when you got the offer from York College of Pennsylvania to serve as its president?
A: I was in an airport when I got the call from the board chair. I thought things had gone well, but I had expected the “nice to meet you, but we decided to go with a different candidate” call. I was thrilled when I was asked, “How would you like to be President G-S?” I believe that committees seek to generate a diverse pool of qualified candidates, but then they find that the “fit” isn’t right. York College is a wonderful institution, and I was, and am still, very honored to have been selected. In my case, it was clear that both the College and I found that the fit was there. The College’s mission and values are ones that I embrace—student-centered, focused on academic excellence, accessible and affordable. I believe the College felt that I also was what they needed to move forward at this particular time.
Q: What does it mean to you to be the first female and African-American president at York College of Pennsylvania?
A: I have been first and only many times in my personal and professional life. I grew up in the segregated South at the beginning of desegregation, so this is not new for me. There have been many times where, as an African-American woman, I’ve had to not only earn my seat at the table, but prove to others that I was qualified to be there. Now, of course, I am cognizant of the impact of my presidency at the institution and beyond. The academic world has not made great strides in increasing the number of female presidents and, in particular, African-American presidents, at a majority of institutions. My appointment represents a major accomplishment for all women of color. One of the amazing things to me is that, while it is clear I am an African-American female, it rarely comes up here on campus.
