{"id":1452,"date":"2023-10-23T11:44:46","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T10:44:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/studentsuccess-news\/?p=1452"},"modified":"2023-10-23T11:44:46","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T10:44:46","slug":"black-history-month-2023-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/studentsuccess-news\/2023\/10\/23\/black-history-month-2023-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Black History Month 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to Week 4 of BHM 2023!<\/em><\/p>\n

Black Female Professors in Higher Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

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University of Kent Black Female Professor, Diamond Ashiagbor.\u00a0 <\/em>Source: LinkedIn<\/em><\/p>\n

As of December 1st, 2020, there were 224,530 academic staff members employed in UK higher education institutions, excluding atypical staff. Among the 22,855 professors, 6,510 (28%) were women, consistent with the previous year. Of the total academic staff, 17% were EU nationals, while 15% were non-UK nationals from non-EU countries. The majority of academic staff were White (89%), with 7% being Asian. In terms of Black<\/strong><\/a> representation, only 160 professors (1%)<\/a> <\/strong>were Black, out of which\u00a061<\/a> <\/strong>were\u00a0Black women<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As we\u00a0commemorate<\/a><\/strong> Black History –\u00a0‘Saluting our Sisters’<\/a><\/strong>, it is crucial to address the underrepresentation of Blacks in academia, particularly Black women, and the resulting barriers to career advancement and\u00a0professorship. \u00a0<\/strong><\/a>The empirical evidence highlights the urgency in today’s world, to go beyond headlines, surface-level, and endless discussions and actively push for accelerating the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and other domains, with reference to quantitative metrics and qualitative narratives.<\/p>\n

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Source:\u00a0 www.hesa.ac.uk<\/em><\/p>\n

As universities experience an increasingly diverse student body, it becomes essential to have a teaching academics that reflects this\u00a0diversity<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Creating a diverse staff is crucial for promoting inclusivity and creating a student-centered educational environment. This entails not only increasing the representation of Black\u00a0female<\/a> <\/strong>professors, but also other ethnic minorities. Representation is important. When students of colour see lecturers who resemble them with shared experiences, a sense of belonging and acceptance on campus is fostered. Consequently, this can positively impact Student Success and overall retention.<\/p>\n

Black professors have a significant and positive impact on higher education. They bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for all students. Black professors also serve as role models and mentors to Black students, helping them to succeed academically and professionally. Black professors in higher education can have a significant and multifaceted impact on the academic community, students, and the broader society. Here are some specific areas of the impact of Black professors in higher education:<\/p>\n