The Long Quest Toward Diversity: Discourse Analysis of a University President

• In Event: 58.042 - Racialized Experiences and Leadership for Change in Higher Education

Abstract

The responsibility of diversifying a campus or university falls directly on its leaders to demonstrate to faculty and students the importance of diversity. Discourse can be used as a means to change organizational identities to bring forth such change. This study examines the connective tissue between discourse and institutional identity by analyzing the influence a university president’s discourse has on their institution. Public addresses, strategic planning documents and student enrollment data were coded and evaluated to determine what role organizational identity, policies, and student enrollment shared in creating a more diverse university. The results serve as an example as to how leaders can influence change by creating identity through discourse and how identity is used by members in policy implementation.

Authors

• Karina Chantal Canaba, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Lucas Endicott, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Rodolfo Rincones, The University of Texas - El Paso