Abstract
The gaps in the literature necessitated an examination of what is known and should be known about career advancement to full professor at the university level. The literature revealed that more research was needed to guide those who mentor faculty to meet the needs of those pursuing future careers in academia. This dissertation is a qualitative case study that investigates commonalities in the career journeys of 21 full professors at land-grant universities in the Northwest. Each participant was asked, “What is your story?” and based on individual interviews, common themes emerged from the career stories. Participants revealed common performances, dispositions, inspirations, and knowledge bases despite a scarcity of information about the promotional process to full professor. These commonalities, among others, were list making, relationships with mentors and bosses, networking and collaboration, insatiable curiosity in pursuit of knowledge, and involvement with music. This study highlights the need for further research to illuminate the lack of clarity and transparency regarding gender and race inequities in advancement to full professor. Through analysis of the interviews, this dissertation provides insights regarding career paths to full professor so that emergent scholars seeking leadership careers in academia are better equipped to adapt, serve, and work toward advancement.