The Mentorship from Senior Faculty to Junior Faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Abstract

An important feature of higher education is the mentorship of junior faculty by senior faculty. Addressing the vital role mentorship plays in an academic institution's survival promotes more opportunities and positive learning experiences. Research shows that mentorship programs for faculty have numerous benefits. Dr. Dessell and others found in their literature review that formal mentoring programs have been associated with faculty member job satisfaction, commitment, reductions in turnover, and productivity. Conversely, faculty mentorship at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) provides emerging research on the importance of recruiting, retaining, and promoting faculty within HBCUs. However, there are benefits of mentorship including professional development, peer mentoring, and psychosocial support. For instance, through their mentors, junior faculty can better become acquainted with the unique needs and strengths of the student body and be introduced to faculty and student resources and protocols. Therefore, this article will present some of the benefits of mentorship as well as the specific issues and aspects of mentorship in HBCUs.