What does it truly look like to build a thriving academic career while nurturing a family, leading interdisciplinary initiatives, and navigating life-altering transitions like the pandemic and parenthood?
In the latest episode of the Advancing Your Career in Higher Ed podcast, I sat down with Dr. Emily Yeager—Assistant Professor at East Carolina University and Interim Director of the Miller School of Entrepreneurship’s Small Business Resource Center. What followed was a heartfelt, vulnerable, and refreshingly candid conversation about the invisible labor of academic success and the emotional landscape behind the CV.
The Tenure Clock Doesn’t Pause for Life—But Sometimes It Should
Dr. Yeager recently received tenure after a seven-year journey—two years longer than the standard five-year track. Why the extension?
“I took a year for COVID and another for maternity leave. Life happened. And I needed room to breathe.”
In a profession that often rewards relentless productivity, her story is a powerful reminder that timelines must flex to honor lived experience. Dr. Yeager’s journey wasn’t just her own—it was one shared by her partner, her child, and even her dog. Her academic milestones shaped the entire rhythm of her family’s life.
Academic Duality: When You Belong to Two Worlds
Not only did Dr. Yeager juggle motherhood and tenure, but she also held a unique dual-role appointment—working across two departments in two entirely different colleges.
“I was living in two disciplines at once, and that brought its own kind of stress. You have to perform and communicate differently depending on who you’re with.”
This interdepartmental straddling required significant emotional agility and added complexity to her already full plate. For those managing similar hybrid roles, her transparency offers both validation and perspective.
Mental Health in the Margins
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I always make space on the podcast for mental and emotional well-being, and this episode was no different.
Dr. Yeager was honest about what it felt like behind closed doors:
“There were moments I felt like I was just barely holding it together. And it’s in those quiet times—when no one’s looking—that the real struggle lives.”
This isn’t weakness; it’s humanity. And in academia, we need to make more room for these stories.
Lessons for Scholars, Leaders, and Institutions
Dr. Yeager’s story is not just one of survival but of transformation. It challenges us to think more expansively about:
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🕰️ Flexible career timelines
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👩🏽🏫 Supporting parents in academia
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🧠 The psychological costs of leadership
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🌐 Interdisciplinary appointments and their hidden pressures
If we want to retain brilliant, multidimensional scholars, we must evolve how we define success—and how we support the people behind the podium.
Listen to the Full Episode
You can hear the full conversation with Dr. Emily Yeager in Season 5 of Advancing Your Career in Higher Ed. It’s a must-listen for academic professionals at any stage who are striving to honor both their personal and professional callings.
Your academic journey isn’t a straight line—and it shouldn’t have to be. What matters most isn’t how fast you get there, but how authentically you walk the path.
Why Coaching Matters—And How I Can Help
Breaking barriers and achieving your goals isn’t easy, but with the right support and strategies, it’s absolutely possible.
As a certified coach, I specialize in helping women of color in academia define their goals, build resilience, and strategize for success. Coaching provides a safe space to reflect on challenges, craft personalized strategies, and take meaningful steps toward realizing your full potential.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to me directly – click here to schedule your call to start the conversation.
Together, we can make your journey one of clarity, confidence, and impact.
🎙️ P.S. For more insights and inspiration, tune into The Acclivity Podcast, where I share actionable strategies and stories to empower women of color in academia. Listen and subscribe today!