Surviving Obscurity: Elevating Community College Women of Color Adjunct Faculty Voices

• In Event: Understanding Experiences of Minoritized Contingent Faculty

Abstract

Despite calls to increase gender diversity among full time tenured faculty women continue to be hired into contingent roles. When women faculty are hired, they often do not reflect the racial composition of the institutions they serve, especially in community colleges predominantly serving students of color. This study explores experiences of 15 Community College Women Adjunct Faculty of Color and finds second class status distancing, and a gross lack of support, compounded by racial and gendered experiences, hinder a path to tenure track positions. Through counter-storytelling, a tenant of Critical Race Theory, this research sheds light on their experiences through composite narratives and illuminates how colleges can better support Community College Women Adjunct Faculty of Color and their professional development.

Authors

• Libby L Curiel, Rio Hondo College

• Eligio Martinez, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

• Joe Louis Hernandez, Mt. San Antonio College