Black women make up less than 2% of full professors nationally, a sobering reality. This is problematic, considering that full professor is the highest faculty rank achievable in one's career, yet many women and people of color are not represented. Further, there is little to no support for mid-career faculty who want to advance their careers. In this talk, Dr. Gayles will share her experiences that are rooted in the double-bind of race and gender, as well as lessons learned for career advancement toward full professor.
Dr. Joy Gaston Gayles is Professor of Higher Education and Program Coordinator in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development. Recently, she received the Zenobia L. Hikes Woman of Color in the Academy Award for her scholarly contributions, engagement with campus and community, and record of advancing women of color in their pursuit of excellence. Dr. Gayles is nationally recognized through her service as a member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD), the largest center for faculty development in the country. Dr. Gayles conducts workshops, facilitates webinars, and serves as a faculty coach for the center. She is currently a board member for the Association of the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) and served as Associate Editor for the Journal of Student Affairs Research & Practice (JSARP).
Dr. Gayles’ research focuses on how college impacts student learning and personal development, primarily with student-athletes and women and underrepresented people of color in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These populations face unique challenges to persistence and degree attainment. Her research is dedicated to better understanding factors that enhance access and student success for these populations and for all college students. Through her scholarly contributions, Dr. Gayles has established a national reputation as an expert on intercollegiate athletics and women and underrepresented students in STEM. She has edited book volumes on these topics and has been quoted in both television and newspaper media. Her work has been published in some of the top journals in higher education including The Journal of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, The Journal of College Student Development, and The Journal of Negro Education.
