This research intended to investigate the mentoring experiences of women administrators in Tennessee higher education, to determine if variances existed in the perceptions of the effectiveness of the mentoring relationship based on different mentoring approaches. The following research questions were the focal point of this investigation: (1) To what extent do differences exist in the perceptions of female administrator mentees who experienced formal mentoring versus informal mentoring? (2) How can factors such as race, gender or professional rank of the mentor and mentee's perception of the effectiveness of the mentoring? (3) How has mentorship equipped female administrators for roles in leadership? The participants in this study will be women administrators in higher education in Tennessee. The research tools utilized in the analysis will include an electronic survey, an interview protocol and concept map, which will be used to develop common themes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]