Black Faculty In The Academy

Through candid discussions and personal counter-narrative stories, Black Faculty in the Academy explores the experiences and challenges faced by faculty of color in academe. Black faculty in predominantly White college and university settings must negotiate multiple and competing identities while struggling with issues of marginality, otherness, and invisible barriers. This important book illuminates how faculty can develop a professional identity that leads to success in academe, while at the same time remaining true to cultural and personal identities. Through rich narratives, chapter authors situate race-related encounters at the center of their experience in an effort to deconstruct and challenge commonly held assumptions about life in academe. They also provide key recommendations and strategies to help faculty of color ensure their continued professional success. Framed by critical race theory, these stories show how faculty can successfully maneuver through all stages of a career in academe, including tenure and promotion, publication, mentoring, networking, teaching, and dealing with institutional climate issues. This valuable book is for faculty and administrators seeking to create an environment that nurtures professional growth and fosters success among Black faculty. Review: Finally, a book that captures the pains, frustrations, and challenges of Black faculty in the academy. Using counter-narrative stories, the authors shed light on the marginality and intersectionality which present constant obstacles for Black faculty. This book is essential reading for young Black scholars entering the academy as well as university administrators who are concerned about recruiting, supporting, and promoting Black faculty. -Tyrone C. Howard, Professor of Education and Director of the Black Male Institute, University of California, Los Angeles Unique. Powerful. Empowering. Substantive. Real. Raw. The authors share research, but just as important, they share their lives and stories. The authors tackle the thorny issue of racial prejudice in a myriad of forms -- racism, stereotypes, microaggressions, deficit thinking, colorblindness, and more. And they tackle these issues with heart and soul. This book is powerful and empowering. Listen to their stories and learn. The book is a welcomed and needed contribution to scholarship that informs and offers solutions for change. -Donna Y. Ford, Professor of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University Remarkably intuitive ... an invaluable resource for African-American faculty and staff. The tangible suggestions provide a roadmap for negotiating the inauspicious circumstances that often confront the newly hired minority educator. -Bowling Green Daily News