Experiences of Faculty Earning Early Tenure in U.S. Institutions of Higher Education

• In Event: 16.061 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.061-16 - Understanding Faculty Throughout Their Life-Span

Abstract

The probationary period before tenure – typically six or seven years - granted to assistant professors is meant to provide an opportunity for those individuals to establish themselves as productive scholars, teachers, and academic citizens. Despite the plethora of literature on tenure and the tenure experience, no known studies examine the experiences of those who earned early tenure, thereby reducing the probationary period. Using the framework of Blackburn and Lawrence of faculty role performance and achievement, interviews were conducted with 15 faculty members throughout the U.S. who earned early tenure. Findings spoke to how the individuals’ environment and social knowledge provided the motivation to pursue this relatively unique feat. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are included.

Author

• Susan K. Gardner, University of Maine