Diversity in higher education has become a valued asset; this has been seen in the use of the word "diversity" in mission statements and documents that details institutional values. The effects of this are evident in the diversification of the student population as well as the ranks of faculty and staff -- though such change rates are not analogous ones. However, although diversification is occurring, the rate of change is based on the level of the position within the institution. Research has shown that white people dominate at every level within predominantly white institutions. Across the nation, many individuals question their institution's commitment to diversity. African Americans continue to be underrepresented and the rate of change for diversification is at its lowest in the ranks of administrative leadership positions. In this non-experimental, comparative case study analysis, I explore the social and professional barriers that inhibit African Americans from obtaining leadership positions at predominantly white institutions in higher education. I purposefully selected three case studies by way of data for this study. My analysis, which I conducted by utilizing Atlas.ti 8, has revealed six themes. These themes are: 1) prejudice (racism and sexism); 2) lack of diversity training; 3) additional job duties; 4) lack of qualified applicants; 5) lack of commitment to diversity, and; 6) lack of mentorship opportunities. All of these themes represent barriers that inhibit African Americans from obtaining leadership positions at predominantly white institutions of higher education. I conclude this study by recommending several strategies that could be implemented within the higher education sector to increase African American representation in administrative leadership. These include: 1) providing mentorship programs; 2) diversity taskforce or board; 3) developing non-discriminative processes, and; 4) succession planning. [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.]