Resilience Without Reform: Black Male Faculty and the Structural Toll of Academic Survival

• In Event: Enduring Erasures, Radical Futures: Black Males' Survival in Education

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of Black male faculty in U.S. higher education, focusing on systemic inequities and the institutional contexts shaping their careers. Using a Resilience Theory framework, the research centers on how these faculty members navigate and resist racialized scrutiny, biased promotion practices, and cultural taxation. Through qualitative interviews with seven participants across both PWIs and HBCUs, four themes emerged: systemic barriers, institutional contrasts, mentorship, and resilience. The findings underscore the need to shift from individual-focused resilience narratives to structural reforms. Recommendations include transparent promotion policies, formal mentorship programs, and equity-driven accountability systems. The study contributes to equity scholarship by offering actionable strategies for transforming institutional cultures and advancing inclusive academic environments.

Authors

• Darryl Corey, Radford University

• Edwin Nii Bonney, Clemson University