2016 National Conference

The ADVANCE Institute at the University of Delaware held a National Research Conference from April 29—May 1, 2016 titled,

“Women of Color in the Academy: What’s Next?”

Focusing on faculty women of color, especially in STEM fields, this research conference brings together faculty, administrators, students, and industry and government representatives to discuss & learn about cutting edge research on the recruitment, retention, advancement, and leadership of faculty women of color, highlighting their lived experiences. At a documentary film, panels, roundtables, and poster presentations, participants will discuss research findings and exemplary practices designed to disrupt constraints on the recruitment and retention of women faculty of color; traditional and newer practices in mentoring; peer networks; career-life balance; strategies for survival and success in academia; and the lived experiences of women of color as students, graduate students, and faculty members. Attendees will have opportunities to identify research topics, network with each other, and establish fruitful collaborations. In follow-up materials, the UD-ADVANCE team will build on the insights and findings developed at the conference.

Takeaways and Lessons Learned

UDaily articles:

Read a conference summary

Speakers and panelists (click on keynote speaker’s name to view presentation):

Margaret Andersen, Professor of Sociology, University of Delaware

Gilda Barabino, Dean of Engineering, City College of New York

Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Assistant Director for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation

Saundra Yancy McGuire, Assistant Vice-President and Professor of Chemistry, Emerita, Louisiana State University

Ala Qubbaj, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs & Diversity, University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley

Denise Sekaquaptewa, Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan

Karan L. Watson, Provost & Executive Vice-President, Texas A & M University

Nancy Targett, President, University of Delaware (2015-2016)

And filmmaker Roxana Walker-Canton, screening her film

“Living Thinkers: An Autobiography of Black Women in the Ivory Tower”

Conference program book here.

Download presentation slides here.