New Article on Higher Education/Student Affairs Pre-Tenure Faculty

I recently published a new article entitled “No New Friends: The Desolate Realm of Higher Education/Student Affairs Pre-Tenure Faculty” in the Journal of Higher Education Politics & Economics with my colleagues Drs. LJ Shelton (University of Arkansas) and Blue Brazleton (Northern Arizona). In this study, we present findings from a narrative qualitative study of 12 higher education/student affairs (HESA) faculty who are within the pre-tenure phase of the promotion process as Assistant Professors. Participants in this study all discussed personal and professional challenges related to feeling inadequate with some degrees of imposter syndrome and widely unsupported. They felt like they had to limit their professional student affairs or higher education administration professional identities as they negotiated two worlds of the professoriate and professional practice which were at odds. Pre-tenure HESA faculty also experienced many personal challenges related to amorous or love relationships such as marriage or even maintaining sustained friendships. Overall, they felt lonely and isolated and lacked community. Implications for practice are included which center community building and equitable practices to encourage pre-tenure HESA faculty development.

The article is available in open-source format as a part of the Open Journals in Education network.