The imperative to increase the representation of historically minoritized groups (HMG) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by addressing systemic barriers in the United States remains a formidable challenge with profound implications. By 2036, the majority of high school graduates in the United States will be people…

The debates that involve banning critical race theory and implementing ethnic studies programs have recently surged. But this is not the first time that controversy about ethnic studies programs and other efforts to promote equity has led to dissension. In the 1960s, similar discord led to violence. Today, right-wing activists are making efforts…

Gypsy, Roma and Travellers (GRT) are a highly marginalised UK higher education minority with patchy targeted policy interventions. Drawing on qualitative interview data with education professionals working with GRT and with GRT young people, families and activists, the article compares attitudes, expectations, and desires around higher education.…

The value of mentorship for family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals is emphasized by inclusion in five leadership development programs offered by FCS professional organizations. The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Leadership Academy, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Leadership Institute, Council of…

This study examines the ascension of women of color (WOC) to senior leadership roles in the higher education C-suite (senior-level executives in an organization). WOC earn 16% of PhDs and only 2% of senior leadership positions at higher education institutions. Increasingly, the higher education pipeline has diverse women ready and capable of…

This report investigates the multifaceted value of postsecondary education for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, particularly those involved in federally funded TRIO programs. Amid growing concerns over student debt and the perceived worth of higher education, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of both the economic and non-economic…

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the experiences of workplace belonging and esteem of 12 staff members with various minoritized identities working in higher education in the Midwestern United States. While much research focuses on student belonging, this study centered on the perspectives of non-faculty staff, addressing a notable…

Within the UK, sandwich courses, i.e. degree programmes that include a year spent on a work placement, usually during the third year of a four-year course, are increasingly offered by higher education institutions to maximise the proportion of their graduates moving into employment and, particularly, jobs that are deemed 'graduate-level'. Indeed,…

There is, a significant gender representation gap in higher education. Along similar lines are the aspect of hiring faculty that identify as female within an ethic minority group, despite the noted benefits of hiring a diverse faculty. Unfortunately, many studies on minority hiring do not differentiate between the two genders, as a result there is…

In the United States, Asian American students in higher education fields are regarded as members of a "model minority" group for their perceived high levels of educational attainment and household income. Even though many scholars have developed a growing interest in understanding and identifying the ever-changing and evolving racialized…

Many policies in higher education are intended to improve college access and degree completion, yet often those policies fall short of their aims by making it difficult for prospective or current college students to access benefits for which they are eligible. Barriers that inhibit access to policy benefits, such as cumbersome paperwork, can weigh…

The purpose of this paper is to consider a different point of view as to why historically underrepresented minority students ultimately succeed in school, but do so at a cost (Goward, 2020). The authors argue that considering John Henryism, i.e., high-effort coping as a response to environmental stressors, as a source of motivation for…

We begin the last article of this special issue by contextualizing the current landscape of higher education, in 2024. Then, employing a kitchen table dialogue approach, we summarize the diverse articles featured throughout this edition, shedding light on insights that stir both our spirits and intellect. Further, we delve into three key themes…

This phenomenological case study investigates the lived experiences of minority students attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) in the Southern United States, addressing the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and recent legislative changes, particularly divisive concepts laws, on their sense of belonging and…

Many policies in higher education are intended to improve college access and degree completion, yet often those policies fall short of their aims by making it difficult for prospective or current college students to access benefits for which they are eligible. Barriers that inhibit access to policy benefits, such as cumbersome paperwork, can weigh…