The UVA community is invited to join our colleagues at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond for a special symposium featuring four Virginia college presidents on the topic of "Race in Academia".
The 2019 Wilder Symposium will examine the role of post-secondary educational institutions in combating structural racism through a panel discussion highlighting the institutional practices that work to either reinforce or mitigate racial inequity. The event, which will be moderated by former Norfolk State University president Alvin J. Schexnider, will feature presidents from diverse colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Race in Academia” will examine racial disparities in higher education, where minorities make up a small portion of the professors, presidents and selective-college enrollments. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 81% of full professors at U.S. colleges and universities were white compared with just 4% of African Americans and 3% of Hispanics in 2016, the most recent period for which these figures are available. Native Americans/Alaska Natives accounted for less than 1% of full professors. The American Council on Education reports the numbers were slightly better among traditionally underrepresented minorities who were college presidents in 2016: about 8% were black, 4% were Hispanic and 1% were Native Americans/Alaska Natives. At 5%, women of color made up the lowest proportion of college presidents within the same period.
About the Wilder Symposium: An annual forum that highlights everything from local policies to state and national politics, the Wilder Symposium is a signature event hosted by L. Douglas Wilder, 66th Governor of Virginia and a distinguished faculty member at the school that bears his name. Over the years, the event has offered a range of perspectives on various topics and a vibrant platform for activism, discovery and critical discussion.
For disability accommodations: Contact Katherine Huynh at huynhkp@vcu.edu