Narratives of Black Women STEM Faculty: Breaking Barriers to Promote Institutional Transformation at HBCUs

Anna Lee, Maya Corneille, Karen Jackson, Bahby Banks, Sherrice Allen, Robin Coger-Simmons, Margaret Kanipes-Spinks, Stephanie Luster-Teasley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

Women faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), experience many barriers. HBCUs’ rich histories of advancing racial equity have often outweighed a focus on gender equity, with issues at the intersection of race and gender receiving minimal attention. This study highlights the need for institutional transformation at HBCUs by identifying the structural factors that promote and inhibit Black women STEM faculty advancement. Interviews (n=15)were conducted with HBCU Black women STEM faculty using the Life Interview approach. The three major themes related to barriers included: (a) greater likelihood of having their expertise questioned, (b) increased pressure to work harder, and (c) sexism, racism, and gendered racism. This study expands upon existing research in the literature by focusing on an understudied population, Black women STEM faculty at HBCUs. Findings suggest that to advance institutional transformation diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, colleges and universities must establish infrastructures that include supports of benefit to the professional advancement of all faculty.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)36
JournalADVANCE Journal
Volume3
Issue number1
StatePublished - 2022

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