Abstract
This qualitative study examined experiences and perceptions of African American women faculty at two community colleges in the Southern United States. Ten African American women faculty members who met the study's criteria were interviewed. Six key themes emerged related to their experiences within the organizational culture at these community colleges: (1) African American women faculty described diversity as not being a genuine organizational goal; (2) African American women described social networks as essential for employment; (3) African American women adjuncts described their part-time status as permanent; (4) African American women faculty described racism as pervasive; (5) African American women faculty described being stereotyped based on their race and gender; and (6) African American women faculty described discrimination as prevalent within the academic environment. These findings contribute to the existing literature on the experiences of African American women faculty, particularly in predominantly White institutions. This research calls on community college administrators to review and revise institutional policies to address ongoing diversity gaps and the pervasive racism embedded in the organizational structures.
Recommended Citation
Brown, D. (2025). African American Women Faculty Experiences and Perceived Organizational Culture at Community Colleges: A Qualitative Study. The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors, 27(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/jramp/vol27/iss1/2
Included in
Community College Leadership Commons, Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies Commons, Social Justice Commons
