Abstract
Faculty of Color (FOC) face tough challenges when it comes to earning tenure and promotions. Problems like systemic inequities and biased evaluations make it harder for institutions to uphold trust and fully benefit from the diversity FOC bring. These faculty members often bring fresh perspectives shaped by their unique journeys, enriching academic spaces. Fitting into the exclusive social circles and culture of academia takes a lot of resilience and confidence. Further, issues like isolation, tokenism, and racism make things even tougher. Isolation stems from the lack of representation and supportive communities, while tokenism creates extra service demands without proper recognition. Racism surfaces in biased evaluations and hiring practices that favor traditional academic norms over innovative research. For women FOC, racism and sexism combine to create even greater barriers to growth and belonging. To break these cycles, institutions need to change. Opening up what counts as scholarship can empower FOC to focus on work that aligns with their strengths and interests. Mentorship can offer the guidance and safe spaces needed to thrive. Transparent and fair tenure policies can rebuild trust. Trailblazers like Dr. Georgiana Simpson, Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, and Dr. Eva B. Dykes inspire others by showing that change is possible. With bold policies and inclusive cultures, academia can better support FOC and amplify their contributions.
Recommended Citation
Crim, D. E. (2025). Truth, Trials, and Triumphs of the Tenure Journey: Faculty of Color in Higher Education. The Journal of Advancing Education Practice, 6(2). https://openriver.winona.edu/jaep/vol6/iss2/1
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