Helen Crump's dissertation–an extended literary analysis of black female writers' texts and how they articulate a black female identity through their narratives–enriches the courses she teaches as a pre–doctoral fellow in women's studies.
Though still disproportionately low, the number of doctoral degrees conferred to members of racial minority groups has more than doubled in the past two decades. In part, this increase can be attributed to programs intentionally designed to foster racial diversity in the professoriate. One example is Minnesota State Mankato's Pre–Doctoral Fellows program. According to Dr. Michael Fagin, Vice President for Institutional Diversity, the program provides emerging scholars with the opportunity for professional development while serving as "one of the best tools we have for enriching our campus and moving toward increased diversity in our faculty ranks."
Helen Crump, from the Department of Women's Studies, and Donald Mitchell, Jr., from the Department of Educational Leadership, both feel extremely lucky to have been selected as pre–doctoral fellows for the 2007–2008 academic year. "When I was offered the fellowship, I knew it was a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity for me to teach, to be mentored, and to do research while pursuing my doctorate," says Mitchell.
Donald Mitchell, a graduate of Minnesota State Mankato's Educational Leadership program and a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota, developed one of the courses he teaches for the educational leadership department as a pre–doctoral fellow.
Because Mitchell hopes to become an administrator at a small liberal arts college and Crump's ultimate goal is to teach in a women's studies program, acting as faculty members in their respective programs while completing their degrees may prove invaluable. "Holding a faculty position while I finish my dissertation allows me to intimately experience yet another women's studies program before I complete my education," explains Crump. "It gives me a deeper feel and preparation for my future career."
Testing out their future careers is certainly a benefit for the two fellows, but the university also gains from their presence. Mitchell is not only teaching graduate classes in the educational leadership program, but he also developed one of the courses"Historically Black Colleges & Universities: History, Culture and Leadership"based on his current research interests. Department Chair Jerry Robicheau believes that Mitchell's course and research will help the community become more aware of the dynamics of black universities and colleges and how we can embed diversity into our campus culture. "You can study diversity all you want, but until you really embrace it, the campus culture will not change," he explains.
Crump is also involved in research that enhances her program. Her dissertation is an extended literary analysis of black female writers' texts and how they articulate a black female identity through their narratives. Specifically, she is studying the way that these writers engage diaspora–how dispersed people are connected through a shared heritage—in their works as a means of theorizing black women's identity within an African Diaspora context.
Doctoral Degrees Conferred by Racial/Ethnic Group in 2005
As a fellow, she is able to communicate this knowledge to her students. Dr. Susan Freeman, who recommended Crump for the position, explains that although many of the professors teach the same introductory–level courses, they all have the opportunity to bring their research interests into the classroom. "Helen's focus on women's narratives introduces our students to a broad range of experiences and new ways of thinking about how gender intersects with race, class, and other identity categories," says Freeman. "Her work captures the interdisciplinary approach of women's studies."
Crump and Mitchell bring fresh and diverse perspectives to their programs. Their heritage, past experiences, and research make them valuable resources for their students. Perhaps equally important, they have both felt at home and welcome in their departments and the campus community. "My department has been very supportive," says Mitchell. "They have mentored and involved me since day one." Crump agrees: "The support I received was phenomenal."
The Pre–Doctoral Fellows program is a signal to emerging scholars around the country that Minnesota State Mankato is a place that embraces diversity and actively seeks to enrich the campus environment. If the experiences of Crump and Mitchell are any indication, the program is a winning situation for the fellows, their students, and the campus community.
