The Interconnection Between Community College Hiring and Retention of Faculty of Color

ABSTRACT This study examined the experiences of faculty of color in community colleges within the context of faculty diversification efforts. Community college students have become more racially and ethnically diverse, yet faculty remain overwhelmingly White. Ten faculty of color from diverse disciplinary fields were interviewed in this phenomenological study. Critical race theory was used as an analytical framework. Participants revealed how their racialized awareness led to their commitment to racial justice. They strongly articulated the important role faculty of color play for student success. Additionally, the participating faculty noted that the current quality of employment included experiencing isolation, microaggressions, and unspoken burdens, which motivated them to create a community with other faculty of color and, by extension, advocating for racial diversity in hiring. Recommendations are provided to address the systemic changes needed to support faculty of color from recruitment to retirement.