A Christian Value? Faculty Diversity at Southern Evangelical Campuses

• In Event: 29.042 - Diversity in the Academy

Abstract

This study explored institutional efforts to increase faculty diversity at three southern Christian universities and provided descriptions of what promoted or curtailed faculty diversity at those institutions. Daryl G. Smith’s (2009) dimensions of diversity were used to evaluate the role of institutional missions, and how they were connected to diversity efforts. Smith’s 2009 framework offered four areas for studying diversity: access and success, institutional vitality and viability, education and scholarship, and intergroup relations and campus climate. The study used multiple or collective case study design. The sample included 20 participants from three institutions, including 11 faculty members, 7 administrators, and 2 students. A combination of personal interviews, observations, field notes, and document analysis provided faculty diversity themes at case institutions.

Authors

• Marquita Smith, John Brown University

• Ketevan Mamiseishvili, University of Arkansas