Friday, January 18, 2008

A Black Millennial Professor

Last semester was my first semester at a mid-sized institution in the South. One interesting aspect of the initial semester of my first tenure track position. The most important part of this new journey in my life is the fact that I am one of the only African American female faculty member on my campus (that I have seen thus far). I have met a few African American males, but most of them are either in athletics or are on a satellite campus thirty minutes away.

Despite the fact that I rarely have an African American student in class, I have enjoyed this first semester. Most of the students are from rural communities and consequently they have not experienced any level of diversity. At first, I felt a large amount of pressure to focus on the material and to minimize the fusion of my ethnic background. However, towards the end of last semester, I realized that the students were genuinely interested in my background and wanted to get to know me as a person.

As a millennial, I have to continually display a virtual wall between the students and myself. I am only zero to five years older than they are, but I want to ensure that the students respect me as a professor.

The story of my life. Aside from research, I have to focus on the fact that I am one of the only African American faculty on campus and that I am a 25 year old tenure track professor.

The saga continues...

Two Down...10+ More to Go

My goal for this new year was to continue writing in my blog and to publish as many articles as possible. I am continuing to work towards the second goal and I am lacking in the goal one department.

From the beginning of the new year until now, I have written and submitted two articles already! I am quite excited and I am working on a new article about service learning and millennial students.

This year I am also focused on collaborating with other faculty on campus. I already have one collaboration and I am working on a few more. Hey, the more the merrier.

My classes are going well this semester (it is the first week) and I am introducing a new course that is focused on intercultural matters. I will keep you updated.

Last but not least, I leave you with Nathaniel's wonderful Yo Gabba Gabba video. Over the holidays, I was able to watch A LOT of youtube. Nathaniel is hilarious and I have never seen the show Yo Gabba Gabba, but it looks like fun.


Sunday, January 13, 2008

Student Affairs & Academic Affairs Partnerships - Why Did You Become a Practitioner?


Before becoming an assistant professor, I was a student affairs practitioner. This transformational process started two years ago in at a mid-sized institution in the south. Today, I am still involved in the professional student affairs organization in my beloved state organization to remain information about the issues that students encounter through their journey in college.

Journeys...I strongly believe that everyone takes a journey towards the pursuit of happiness when they enter the higher education environment. Students enter colleges and universities because they would like to embark on a journey towards a degree. Student affairs practitioners enter the profession because they are looking for a way to pay off their student loans and to make a difference in the lives of students.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A STUDENT AFFAIRS PRACTITIONER OR FACULTY MEMBER? (I need some feedback on this one!)

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

My Social Media Channels!
Of Course You Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Am Also on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/drjtedwards/
Have You Subscribed on YOUTUBE yet?
Become a Fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook!
If You Love Periscope as Much as I Do...Follow Me There! - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

Get Motivated & Goal Setting 2008!


While visiting my mother this weekend, she stated that 2007 was the year of completion and 2008 was the year of new beginnings. I decided that 2008 was going to be my new beginning. I am going to get motivated to write at least 10 articles this year (you should too)! Attention people who are reading this blog, we should keep each other accountable. I will post the backwards plan for articles that I need to publish this semester and you can do the same by replying.

WE WILL FLORISH this semester! I always have some great article ideas, but no time to write. We WILL write this year! My dissertation chair is holding me accountable for writing/presenting 1,000+ articles/workshops in my academic career. Won't you please do the same?



Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

My Social Media Channels!
Of Course You Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Am Also on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/drjtedwards/
Have You Subscribed on YOUTUBE yet?
Become a Fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook!
If You Love Periscope as Much as I Do...Follow Me There! - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com