As access to higher education for minorities continues to be an underlying diversity concern, Constance Iloh looks forward to her new role as assistant professor of higher education at the University of California, Irvine. On the cusp of assuming a new assistant professor position at the University of California Irvine’s School of Education, Iloh discusses her groundbreaking research while reflecting on her past, present and future. The Research Associate in the Pullias Center for Higher Education and Ph.D. candidate at the USC Rossier School of Education has published several studies regarding college access, equity and privatization in higher education.
Q: What made you decide to focus your research on the experiences of the underserved in higher education?
A: I have always been committed to college access and equity for unrepresented students, especially after becoming a Gates Millennium Scholar. My research explores the changing landscape of higher education and how this impacts access and equity for underserved students. I am particularly interested in conditions for students of color, low-income students, and post-traditional students.
Q: You have also conducted extensive research on the privatization of higher education, namely for-profit education. What is the motivation behind this controversial topic?
A: While studying business management for my masters, I was captivated by dynamics such as privatization, innovation and corporatization and how these forces impacted underserved consumer groups. I often bring a business lens to my research focus. Since 2010, I have been researching the for-profit college sector, often in comparison to community colleges. A lot of my work has been qualitative intentionally. Although there is a a lot of for-profit literature, the for-profit college student voice has been missing. This was unsettling, since, arguably, students are one of the most important stakeholders in this higher education discussion.
Q: Why do you think students are turning to for-profit colleges?
A: It is a complex question that has been a focal point of many of my research studies; including my latest article in Teachers College Record. Even the idea of college choice must be problematized given how perceived costs, benefits and accessibility vary across the postsecondary education landscape.
