Centering Black Faculty Voices: A Qualitative Study of Black Tenure-Track Faculty's Priorities and Commitments

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: Black Voices, Discrimination, and Racial Matching (Table 17)

Abstract

Predominately-White Research Institutions (PWRIs) are often a hostile environment for Black tenure-track faculty. Research demonstrates that Black faculty often commit to uplifting Black students through their research, teaching, and service commitments. However, such commitments may potentially harm their careers as PWRIs value faculty research more than teaching or service. Despite this challenge, many Black faculty embrace their commitments and successfully navigate their institution. Using qualitative interviews, this paper discusses how Black faculty at a PWRI describe and enact their commitments while navigating their institution's priorities and reward structure. Using Critical Race Theory, Eduardo Bonilla-Silvia’s Theory of Racialized Emotion, and Sulé Model of Engagement, this paper amplifies Black faculty's counterstories of thriving and joy while navigating these types of institutions.

Author

• Aesha Mustafa, Eastern Michigan University
  Presenting Author