Auburn professors discuss ‘Women of Color in Academia’

wpolley — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Paulette Dilworth: of the Multicultural Center, was the moderator of the Brown Bag Series Panel Discussion. The program was held in honor of Auburn University’s Women’s History Month Celebration. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

As part of the Brown Bag Series Panel Discussion; the Multicultural Center, a division of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs hosted a panel on Monday discussing “Women of Color in Academia.”

In honor of Auburn University’s Women’s History Month Celebration, three distinguished Auburn University employees took center stage as they discussed their personal, work and educational experiences.

The panel consisted of Constance Hendricks, professor in the school of nursing; Chippewa Tomas, assistant professor in the College of Education and Prathima Agrawal, professor and director in electrical and computer engineering.

Paulette Dilworth, assistant vice president for access and community initiatives, served as moderator.

Each woman was able to give her experiences on the main topic of the panel, mentoring, as well as the common themes of chemistry and values.

“Look for people you have good chemistry with,” Hendrix said. “They might not be the end all to be all, but mentoring is a give and take situation. I love football, so that is what I gave back to one of my mentors. She helped me learn how to conduct research, and I taught her football.”

Unlike Hendrix, people are not always able to form give and take relationships with their mentors.

“I have not experienced a mentor relationship where I have knowingly given back,” Thomas said. “I have only experienced the benefits side.”

Articles written by Catharine Montgomery

Auburn professors discuss ‘Women of Color in Academia’