Retaining Black women faculty: Cultivating an equitable teaching environment

Abstract

Current research on the experiences of Black women faculty often focuses on the challenges they face and the reasons why they leave the academy. Instead, this study examined the experiences and success strategies of Black women faculty who have successfully navigated the tenure and promotion process. Findings can inform new and aspiring Black women faculty in navigating the academy, advise institutional leadership who are looking to recruit and retain Black women faculty, and promote discussions and tangible action items to improve inequities within the professoriate. Themes from interviews revolved around policies and procedures that are problematic for Black women specifically, the importance of support networks, the failure of institutional programs, and their persistence as an act of caring.