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Women Faculty of Color: Stories Behind the Statistics

The Urban Review volume 46, pages 681–702 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

In this qualitative study we address two primary research questions: What are the experiences of women faculty of color (WFOC) who departed the tenure track at predominantly White, research universities? Using the modified lens of the newcomer adjustment framework, what socialization factors may have contributed to the WFOCs’ departure? Through a longitudinal, in-depth examination of three WFOC who left their university prior to earning tenure, themes of gendered and racialized tokenization and isolation, a need for a more intrusive style of mentoring, and poor institutional fit were identified. Implications for future research on faculty members’ social identity and promising practices for faculty development are shared.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Higher Education Program, School of Education, Loyola University Chicago, 820 N. Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Campus, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Bridget Turner Kelly & Kristin I. McCann

Authors
  1. Bridget Turner Kelly
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  2. Kristin I. McCann
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Correspondence to Bridget Turner Kelly.

Appendix: Women in the Academy Interview Protocol

Appendix: Women in the Academy Interview Protocol

Thank you so much for meeting with us … participating in the study….

 Describe your position at this university?

  Probe for Research, Teaching, Service?

 What have you learned this year about being a faculty member in the academy?

 What did you most want to accomplish this year? Why?

  Any surprises? How so?

 Please draw a professional highlight from this year.

  Please describe the drawing for us

  What does this represent for you?

 Please draw a professional challenge you encountered in the past year.

  Please describe the drawing for us

  What does this represent for you?

 Are there other critical incidents that define, for you, this academic year?

 Where have you received your greatest support over the past year?

  In what form has that support come?

  Have you sought it out on your own?

If time…

 What strategies have you employed to be successful this year?

 In thinking about next year, what are you most looking forward to and why?

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Kelly, B.T., McCann, K.I. Women Faculty of Color: Stories Behind the Statistics. Urban Rev 46, 681–702 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11256-014-0275-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11256-014-0275-8

Keywords

  • Women faculty of color
  • Tenure
  • Socialization
  • Faculty development