Tenured BWiC

originally posted on April 6, 2014 on csdoctorsister.blog.com

Motivational and inspiring statements by unknown

The tenure-track Assistant Professor position is a finite probationary term, which typically spans from 4-6 years for most colleges. These Assistant Professors take this time to learn academia, grow research (if college is research-focused), teach courses and serve her/his technical community through professional societies. At the end of the probationary term, the Assistant Professor generates a document describing the contributions and impact she or he has made to the institution in the categories of scholarship, teaching and service. The document is evaluated and voted upon by her/his colleagues in multiple rounds – proceeding to subsequent round is typically contingent on receiving at least a favorable in the previous round. This evaluation process takes about an academic year. A positive outcome of promotion and tenure expands a faculty’s opportunities and more academic freedom. My tenure-track position began in August 2008. My evaluation process has began August 2013.

On 4/4/2014, the Purdue Board of Trustees approved my faculty promotion to Associate Professor with tenure in Computer and Information Technology, effective August 18, 2014 (http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q2/purdue-trustees-approve-faculty-promotions.html). #ThisIsEpic #TenuredBWiC

With this announcement, history has been made. I became the first Black woman to earn tenure in Purdue’s College of Technology. This history-making act goes far beyond Purdue. According to the Institution for Women’s Policy Research “Accelerating Change for Women Faculty of Color in STEM: Policy, Action, and Collaboration” report, only 6% of STEM faculty are women of color. That’s 6,400 of 111,800. The challenges facing STEM women of color faculty are enumerated in the report; however, I have experienced each one to a certain degree throughout my academic career. I wish there was less enumeration of the challenges and more advocating of other STEM WOC in academia, industry and government. What actions are you taking to champion a STEM WOC?

So what’s next for this tenured BWiC?

First, celebrate. Honestly, this may last a while.

Second, decide on which fork to take in this road: step up, lean in, lean back, or opt-out