| In higher education, progress through the academic ranks and the attainment of tenure are among the most visible signs of accomplishment for all faculty members. Most research literature indicates that Black female faculty continue to be underrepresented at colleges and universities in the United States, especially in relation to tenure attainment. A growing body of literature on the experiences of Black female faculty has focused on the obstacles they face in the academy and how these barriers have affected their tenure attainment. The purpose of this qualitative narrative analysis study was to explore the experiences of Black female faculty who had successfully attained tenure. Specifically examined were their socialization processes and the resiliency strategies they used to overcome obstacles they often encountered in the academy when seeking to attain tenure. A purposeful and snowball sampling of nine participants was attained. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Association of Black Women in Higher Education served as gatekeepers for this research project. Data were collected via face-to-face or Skype interviews with open-ended questions. Data obtained from these interviews were analyzed and coded using the computer-software program Atlas.ti. The findings revealed seven themes and eight subthemes: a) Racial Socialization; (b) Importance of Education; (c) Confidence and Resiliency; (d) Protective Factors, with subthemes of faith, family, and community; mentorship, and support networks; (e) Coping Strategies, with subthemes of personal balance, understand tenure process, and set goals; (f) Sources of Inspiration, with subthemes of motherhood and family and teachers; and (g) Cultural Identity. The themes were presented as the basis for further research and recommendations for practice for administrators, tenure committees, minority faculty support network, and professional organizations of Black female faculty. The findings may especially benefit Black female faculty to guide the next generation of Black females who desire to succeed in academia by attaining tenure. |
