Examining the lived experiences of higher education administrators of color with STEM related doctoral degrees

Abstract

The imperative to increase the representation of historically minoritized groups (HMG) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by addressing systemic barriers in the United States remains a formidable challenge with profound implications. By 2036, the majority of high school graduates in the United States will be people of color (Ellsworth et al., 2022), necessitating that research-intensive institutions, particularly historically white institutions (HWI), implement robust systems and structures to mitigate systemic challenges faced by students of color. Failure to address systemic barriers discourages people of color from pursuing careers in STEM and academia, perpetuating systemic inequality and depriving higher education institutions of opportunities to foster equitable and just environments. This study investigates the lived experiences of individuals of color who earned STEM degrees and pursued careers as higher education practitioners or administrative staff. These practitioners are crucial in supporting both students of color and white students. However, the hiring and retention of staff have become increasingly challenging during and after the Covid-19 pandemic (Bichsel et al., 2022; Fuesting, 2023; Zahneis, 2022, 2023). This study applies Critical Race Theory and Socialization as a conceptual model to offer a unique perspective on people of color who have earned doctorates and chose to work as practitioners in higher education, a topic that is relatively underexplored. Through narrative inquiry as a methodological approach and analyzing the data through a CRT lens, four themes emerge with a central theme of the commitment to opportunity informed by the participants lived experiences. The four themes are (1) Alone Together; (2) Stewardship: Service Beyond Obligation; (3) A New Equilibrium: Environmental Validation and Déjà Vu; and (4) External Influences: Covid-19 Pandemic, Racial Injustice, and Apolitical Environment. The narrative themes showcase how the staff who chose to work as higher education administration staff were determined to create an environment that cultivates talent and increases a sense of belonging for students, faculty, and staff.