Recruitment and Retention of Faculty of Color in Oklahoma

This text focuses on the recruitment and retention of faculty of color in Oklahoma. Although the study is written in its formal context, an additional documentary film is also available. Twenty-four professors and administrators of color discuss some of the difficulties associated with being in the minority at predominately white higher education institutions. The general focus is to improve the recruitment and retention process of higher education institutions seeking to diversify their faculties and staffs. Faculty and administrators of color address the need for higher education institutions to modify their hiring practices. These educators suggest institutions practice flexibility to recruit and retain faculty that reflect the rising number of students of color entering colleges and universities in the state. These members of academe offer advice to people of color seeking employment. They also make suggestions to policymakers regarding the need to hold academy officials accountable for the implementation of best practices associated with increasing the diversity of its employees. This study serves as a model for institutions nationwide interested in diversification.