‘MTSU On the Record’ explores Black faculty learning communities

The concept of faculty learning communities for Black educators in colleges and universities was the topic of discussion on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with six Black professors who co-authored a research paper on the subject first aired March 9 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

You can listen to their conversation via the Soundcloud link above.

The MTSU participants are:

• Christina Cobb, an assistant professor of university studies.
• Michaele Chappell, a retired professor of mathematics education.
• Renee Jones, an assistant professor of university studies.
• Michelle Stevens, a professor of educational leadership.
• Chandra Story, an associate professor of health and human performance.

The sixth participant and co-author, MTSU alumnus Jeremiah Asaka, is an assistant professor of security studies at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

Six professors who co-authored a research paper on faculty learning communities for Black educators in colleges and universities are the guests for the March 9 “MTSU On the Record” radio program on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. Participants included, top row from left, MTSU alumnus and former lecturer Jeremiah Asaka, an assistant professor of security studies at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas; Michaele Chappell, a retired professor of mathematics education; Christina Cobb, an assistant professor of university studies; bottom row, from left, S. Renee Jones, an assistant professor of university studies; Michelle Stevens, a professor of educational leadership; and Chandra Story, an associate professor of health and human performance. (MTSU photo illustration by Jimmy Hart)

The report, “Fostering a Sense of Community Among Black Faculty Through a Faculty Learning Community,” resulted from the six professors’ own learning community.

Their findings assert that forming such groups at predominantly white academic institutions helps to promote mentorship, authenticity, motivation and support among Black faculty members.

“We met about once a month, sometimes twice,” said Stevens. “It gave us an opportunity to really connect with each other.

“We were able to support one another with our own experiences and with some of the resources that we shared and discussed.”

The abstract for the report, published last December, is available here.