Women of color in the academy

• Published in: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 431 - 436
• Main Authors: Clark, Sonya L, Joy Davis, Dannielle
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Birmingham Emerald Group Publishing Limited 28.06.2011
• Subjects: Academic profession; Affirmative action; Analysis; Audiences; Career development; Career development planning; College professors; Dissertations & theses; Education; Educational leadership; Equal opportunities; Higher education; Minority & ethnic groups; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Phenomenology; Productivity; Professional relationships; Professors; Publishing; Qualitative research; Quantitative research; Racial discrimination; Research design; Research methodology; Science education; Studies; Women; Writers; Writing; United States > US; Women; Career development; Equal opportunities; Racial discrimination; Education
• DOI: 10.1108/02610151111150672
• ISSN: 2040-7149

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to summarize and reflect on four presentations at the 2010 Women of Color in the Academy Conference which focused on strategies that are beneficial to women, especially women of color, to overcoming barriers prevalent in pursing graduate degrees, acculturating to the professoriate, and building portfolios for tenure and or promotion in the academy.Design methodology approach - Observations and notes were used to capture the content of these four presentations; thematic analysis was used to discern the major themes.Findings - The major themes presented were: the process of writing; productivity and publishing; pragmatic approach to quantitative research design; viewing qualitative research as an activity; and understanding the academy.Practical implications - The practical implications of these presentations are that these strategies may assist women, especially women of color, to attain greater success rates in their graduate education and professorial endeavors; thus, increasing the number of women and women of color in faculty and administrative positions and creating a more diverse workforce.Social implications - In addition, the social implication for these presentations is that the research community may benefit from the differing perspectives and topics chosen by this underrepresented group.Originality value - The originality in this general review is that the material was presented by women of color with doctorates in multidisciplinary fields and presented to an audience of women. The conference was hosted by Sisters of the Academy and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Auburn University at Montgomery.