Discusses the increasing numbers of African Americans who are both attending graduate school and planning on academic careers. Suggests that academia will profit in many ways from this trend, noting that African American scholars are resisting labeling, finding arenas of research that resist racial categories, and desire a mandate for…

Faculty jobs have a remarkable degree of freedom compared to other jobs, but they have comparatively low salaries. The income difference between academic employment and employment in corporations, law firms, and medicine causes morale problems in faculties. (MLW)

Four new books typify the constructive search for ways to improve the quality of undergraduate education. "Achieving Educational Excellence" (Alexander Astin), "Careerism and Intellectualism" (Herant A. Katchadorian et al.), "Increasing Student Retention" (Lee Noel et al.), and "Success in College" (Warren Willingham) are analyzed. (MLW)

A decrease in minorities in the teaching profession is likely to occur at a time when the school-age population will be more than 30% minority. If the decrease continues, young blacks will be deprived of role models and a special caring that is irreplaceable. (MLW)

Higher education faculty outside the schools of education have a great deal at stake when it comes to the quality of schools and school teaching. They are seen as directly responsible for the frequently poor preparation of those entering college. (MLW)

Women, it is suggested, must have a curriculum with images of achievement and aspiration comparable to those of white middle class males. Two goals of women's studies are discussed: to develop a body of scholarship and a new curriculum about women and to transform the "mainstream" curriculum. (MLW)