Faculty of Color Retention and Academic Leader Intercultural Effectiveness Behaviors in Midwest CCCU Institutions

Creating diverse and inclusive campus environments is an important goal for institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). Many CCCU institutions have developed strategic initiatives to strengthen their work around diversity and inclusion. One of the issues facing institutions in the CCCU is a disproportionate percentage of faculty of color (FOC). The focus of this qualitative research study was to evaluate the impact that leader intercultural effectiveness behaviors have on the retention of FOC at CCCU institutions in the Midwest. Interviews were conducted with 20 FOC from eight different Midwest CCCU institutions. Findings from the literature review and results from the interviews identified multiple ways that the intercultural effectiveness behaviors of academic leaders can influence the retention of FOC. The literature review and the interviews both highlighted the significance of academic leaders working to support FOC through mentoring relationships, tenure and promotion, and maintaining a healthy schedule. Academic leaders are often the first point of contact for FOC and are in a key position to help FOC begin their time in their institutions in a positive way