Young, Black, and Female: Assistant Professors at 'Majority' Universities Speak Up

By Heather Martyn -- 11/21/2008 At the National Communication Conference six female assistant professors from universities across the nation gathered to discuss their experiences during the panel titled "To Be Black, Woman, and a New Tenure-Track Assistant Professor:  Experiences at 'Majority' Institutions.

These assistant professors highlighted specific personal encounters while teaching at 'majority' institutions as young, self-defined black females, working toward achievement of tenure, and maintaining a level of professionalism among their students and peers.

"Inclusion only works when the universities are willing to not only stage diversity, but are willing to also engage it," stated Kamille Gentles Peart of Roger Williams University.

Discussion ranged from an overview of the panelist's view on diversity and inclusion as it occurs their respective campuses to how their heritage and diverse backgrounds affect the relationships that they form with students and their peers. Marnel N. Niles of California State University, Fresno, described her experience as the only African American faculty member in her department and her encounters with students and the discussion of diversity.

"I incorporate it [diversity] throughout the entire semester," Niles stated.

Through the paper discussions, it became clear that although each panelist agreed on the basic idea of the importance of true engagement and inclusion of diversity on college and university campuses, many had varying experiences within the classroom and the overall university atmosphere.

"There are still these mechanisms at work that silence to make my voice not as heard," stated Peart.  "I was disturbed and discouraged by my lack of presence and my lack of voice during the meetings."