Experiences of recruitment and retention in academia: A collaborative autoethnography of early-career faculty members of color

Abstract

Background: Recruitment and retention of diverse faculty in schools of nursing continues to be an important challenge but little has been written from the perspectives of early-career faculty of color on their decision to join academia and their retention.

Purpose: We aim to understand the perspectives of a cluster hire of early-career faculty of color on their recruitment, mentorship and support received, and resources needed for long-term retention.

Methods: Five faculty members conducted a joint autoethnography of their perspectives through recruitment, hiring, and first year as faculty. Two group discussions were analyzed for emergent themes using thematic analysis, maintaining reflexivity.

Discussion: Four themes were identified: Intentionality to diversity faculty, Plan for professional development, Clear antiracism diversity equity and inclusion standards, and Retention enablers and barriers.

Conclusion: We provide strategies (e.g., targeted resources, diverse cluster hires, building community) to inform recruitment and retention of early-career faculty of color.

Keywords: Cluster hire; Faculty diversity; Mentorship; Qualitative methods.