A Christian Value? Faculty Diversity at Southern Evangelical Campuses (original) (raw)

2016, Christian Higher Education

This study explored institutional efforts to increase faculty diversity at three southern Christian universities and provided descriptions of what promoted or curtailed faculty diversity at those institutions. Daryl G. Smith's (2009) dimensions of diversity were used to evaluate the role of institutional missions, and how they were connected to diversity efforts. Smith's 2009 conceptual framework offered four areas for studying diversity: access and success, institutional vitality and viability, education and scholarship, and intergroup relations and campus climate. A qualitative multiple or collective case study design was used. The sample included 20 total participants; 19 from the three case institutions and one Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) administrator. The study participants consisted of 12 males and 8 females; 11 faculty, 7 administrators, and 2 students. A combination of personal interviews, observations, field notes, documents and textual analysis provided faculty diversity themes at the different institutions. Although institutions have made great strides in diversity efforts, this study revealed that more intentional and methodic processes need to be established to increase faculty diversity at CCCU institutions. The more interaction students have with diverse populations the better prepared they will be to work and serve in global communities. Consequently, faculty diversity efforts can be maximized by implementing better recruitment and retention strategies. This study highlighted a few recruitment and retention strategies which included the active pursuit of faculty of color and the purposeful management of mentorship programs. Hatcherwho helped make this important project possible. This study is a reflection of that circle and our countless discussions about diversity and multiculturalism and the possibilities at faith institutions. Since the start of the project, these women have served as prayer partners, coaches, and editors. I am forever grateful for their long-term friendships, encouragement, and care. Special Thanks To my mother Jacqueline M. Smith, who explained to me in 10 th grade that "anybody can get a 'C'-it's just average." I am so very thankful that she has always challenged me to be better. I also wish to thank Dr. Kate Mamiseishvili, my dissertation director, whose investment in the research project has been invaluable and whose insight has guided and helped focus the study. I am also appreciative of the wise counsel from committee members, Dr. Charles Robinson and Dr. Mike Miller. To my John Brown University staff, colleagues, administrators and students, especially my former teaching assistant Emma Bentley, I appreciate your continued support, patience and understanding as I worked to complete this project. Lastly, I am humbled and delighted for the opportunity to meet and talk with 20 participants, who are committed to better reflecting Christ's kingdom at CCCU institutions. "Thank you" for your candor and stories. DEDICATION This dissertation project is dedicated in loving memory of my father, Freddie Frank Donnell, who died of cancer on November 1, 2013. Months before he passed away, he no longer called me Marquita, but he simply referred to me as "the scholar." At that time it was unclear, but I now understand in his own way he was affirming me, encouraging me to complete the journey I had started. Like diversity work, family relationships can be complicated. I'm forever grateful to the Lord, my Savior, who demonstrates that even in death, there is still healing. I also dedicate this project to the small number of faculty of color who choose to teach and serve at Council of Christian Colleges and University (CCCU) institutions. I understand the call, the mission, the conflict and the joy that come with that decision. May the Lord continue to bless and keep each and every one of you.