The matter of master jugglers ought to be a concern for departments and universities which say they are interested in faculty retention. Interest needs to be translated into assistance -- research funds, travel grants, and the opportunity to network. Interest also needs to be translated into understanding that minority faculty are neither novelties nor pets to be trotted out at every occasion. University presidents and department chairs who make a commitment not to overburden minority faculty by putting them on several committees make a major contribution to keeping those faculty members around.
African American faculty members are used to being all things to all people -- master jugglers who are both bilingual and multicultural. They are juggling expectations, identities, and responsibilities in communities that have little tolerance for folks who drop the ball. Yet, this juggling is a retention issue that needs to be explored -- both by the faculty members who are keeping the balls in the air, and by their colleagues who add to their burden.
COPYRIGHT 1998 Cox, Matthews & Associates© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
