History of positions available for people of color
There was not much movement within higher education to provide for school administrates for Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC) until the advent and eventual success of the civil rights movement in the decade of the 1960s. At that point, it became at least theoretically possible for potential administrators of color to serve in positions in higher ed.
At that time many predominantly white institutions of higher education set a goal for administrators of people of color in their schools. However, after that number was met most schools did not continue with a recruitment effort and were satisfied to achieve whatever artificial number they had set.
Implications of these strategies
In a report from almost a decade ago prepared for the Journal of Higher Education the authors report that not every institution of higher ed can be compared to others, and each must be considered one by one. As schools become more aware of diversity they are placing more staff of color on hiring committees. This effort alone will not fully succeed in achieving the necessary diversity. It is the entire culture of each school and campus that has to change. In fact, more modern history shows this to be true.
A broader approach is required
When institutions try to achieve cultural diversity by creating special events or time periods to focus on BIPOC this strategy accomplishes little to the inclusion of these groups. That is unless this emphasis lasts for longer than a month these efforts fall flat.
Diversity in leadership
Until the time comes when higher education faculty and administrators become more inclusive there will be challenges to creating the best strategy for the placement of additional administrators of color. These processes have been put to work and change can be seen. However, the struggle still exists. While there the numbers of qualified people of color continue to grow, they are often overlooked, thus to positions that can be filled by them are not, making it difficult to achieve equality. This is a process that is become easier and less of a mountain to climb by supporting, training, and coaching potential applicants.
Dr. Hill has been coaching people of color to assume roles in administration in higher education in her practice. With her experience in the field as a faculty member and administrator of color, her practice is dedicated to teaching new skills and strategies to potential academic leaders in order for them to move up within the world of higher education. A free consultation with Dr. Hill will help you decide if her services can help you realize your goal of being an administrator in higher education and teach you how to implement the strategies that can help you in your pursuit. Visit her website at theacclivity.com to make an appointment.