According to information from Human Resources, there are only 16 black women faculty members at the University. This number includes six associate professors, five assistant professors and five instructors.
Jermaine Watson, Black Faculty and Staff Caucus president, said the number of black instructors at the University was low, but the low number of black women instructors was especially concerning.
“We’ve got to do better to attract a diversified pool of people to the University,” Watson said.
Watson said he felt administrators have done a good job as far as getting more black faculty members, but there are other things that could be done.
“I do know that our University made huge strides to correct the problem, but we’ve got to make an extra push to get those persons who qualify here at the University,” Watson said.
Gregory Vincent, Office of Academic Affairs vice provost, was unavailable for comment.
History assistant professor Tiwanna Simpson said her experience as a black woman instructor has been both rewarding and challenging.
“It is sort of a lonely experience, but I think a lot of it is because I’m from the North,” Simpson said. “I’ve met very few black women that are not from Louisiana.”
Dana Williams, an English assistant professor, said although she is not from out of state, feelings about her experience are mixed as well.
“It’s been both positive and taxing at the same time,” Williams said. “We’re called upon to be mentors.”
Simpson said her department and colleagues have been supportive of her throughout her time at the University, but the student response has been especially positive.
“The students have been wonderful,” Simpson said. “Some say they haven’t had a black teacher before.”
Williams said white female students are particularly receptive, while most black students receive her with “pure enthusiasm.”
Simpson said she feels the University should push for diversity on all aspects of campus. At the same time, the University must compete for instructors with other, more historically black colleges.
“It’s not attractive to a woman of color who could go somewhere else,” Simpson said.
Williams said she felt the University should make a strong effort to recruit several black instructors at a time.
“I can’t say it with enough emphasis,” Williams said. “You want the best black faculty. We need to actively pursue top African-American graduates in all fields.”
Simpson said despite the challenge of being a black woman from out of state, she is pleased with her life here.
“I’m still enjoying my time here,” Simpson said. “Hopefully, I’ll be here for a while.”s