Pictured above l-r: Co-editors Dr Barbara Adewumi and Dr Alexander Hensby
The official launch of the recently published Student Success book – Race, Capital, and Equity in Higher Education took place on 26th November 2024, at the Darwin Conference Suite, University of Kent, attended by the book’s editors and contributors, Professor Iain Wilkinson (Associate Pro-VC), key members of the university and other invited guests.
The open access book, published by Palgrave Macmillan, and edited by Kent’s Dr Alexander Hensby and Dr Barbara Adewumi (from the School of Social Sciences and the department of Student Success), aims to provide ‘analyses which help explain the roots of the attainment gap, while offering reflections and commentaries on the necessary steps that universities must take in order to ensure equity for students from all backgrounds.’
During the formal part of the book launch, Dr Alex Hensby and Dr Barbara Adewumi addressed the guests, outlining the complex yet highly rewarding nature of the work that had gone into editing the book. Thanks were also extended to Kent colleagues and book contributors including Jan Moriarty (Head of Student Success), Dr Lavinia Milton, Dr Bridget N’gandu, Dr Ellen Dowie, Tiz Buzwell and Emeritus Fellow Louise Naylor.
Dr Barbara Adewumi, Co-Editor, stated: “We’re proud that the book launch has reunited Student Success colleagues past and present as well as supportive staff across the institution. The positive feedback amplifies how strongly the commitment on racial equity in higher education deeply resonates at Kent. We look forward to the conversations and interventions this book will inspire moving forward.”
Jan Moriarty, Head of Student Success, spoke of the importance of this type of research to the University, stating: “This book is the essence of what we’re creating here at Kent. Our research and operational delivery go hand in hand and it’s this relationship that keeps Student Success work dynamic, innovative and central to organisational change. The book is a wonderful collaboration between many academics and practitioners, and it was a delight that so many of them were able to attend the launch.”
Professor Wilkinson provided the closing remarks: “This is a great event celebrating the publication of a very impressive and important book that needs to be read by all committed to widening participation in HE, the closure of attainment gaps and student success. Race, Capital and Equity in Higher Education records the history and progress of student success initiatives at the University of Kent and bears testimony to the ways in which a community of academic and professional services colleagues have combined their skills, commitments and passions to demonstrate the potential for higher educational institutions to be geared by the policies and practices to deliver emancipatory forms of education.”
Following the formal part of the book launch, guests were able to network and enjoy seasonal refreshments. The event was rounded off by an uplifting and highly enjoyable performance by the University’s award-winning Gospel Choir which reflected the celebratory and positive atmosphere of the event.
Note: the eBook or printed copies are available with a 20% discount until 18 December using the checkout code zP7jV4NzZEmOqJ.