This document summarizes Rhodena Townsell's dissertation defense on the career trajectories of rural African American administrators. It includes the purpose of the study, research questions, conceptual framework, methodology, major findings, and conclusions. The study used interviews to examine the childhood experiences, work experiences, and characteristics of 7 rural African American school administrators. Key findings included themes of determination, isolation yet rural connection, enduring challenges, being communicators of discipline, and trusting in God's will. The implications are that various factors influence the careers of these administrators.