A bit of history is being made this academic year at Austin College as Lisa M. Brown, professor of psychology, becomes Dean of Social Sciences. Since the three divisional deans have been men for the last several years, having a woman begin a six-year term in this continuing year of the celebration of 100 Years of Co-Education seems appropriate. Lisa is not the first woman in an Austin College dean’s role; she is, however, the first person of color.
Brown is proud of the professional accomplishments that qualified her to assume the leadership role and happy to serve in the position. The fact that her role is a first for Austin College raises other issues.
“The milestone produces mixed feelings in me,” she said. “My cousin has repeatedly said to me, ‘Nana (our grandmother) and your mother would be so proud.’ On the one hand, I am grateful for and humbled by the sacrifices prior generations in my family made so that I could have educational opportunities they did not. On the other hand, being the first anything of color in 2019—2019!!—highlights vestiges of the long history of systemic racism and structural inequality in the United States.”
While student body statistics are not official until the 12th day of classes, Austin College President Steven P. O’Day said during Opening of School activities last week that it is expected that the Austin College student population will, for the first time, be a minority majority—that is, more than 50% of students will identify as persons of color. In both the 2018 and 2019 freshman cohorts, persons of color have represented more than 50% of the class.
“It is incredibly affirming to teach at a place where more than 50% of the student body consists of students of color,” Brown said. “However, it is also dumbfounding that while there are several faculty of color, I am the only U.S.-born, Black American, fulltime faculty member. As a professional achievement, I am honored to serve as dean. As a milestone for the college, my being the first dean of color reminds us that while we—that is, Austin College and the United States—have come a long way, we still have a long way to go.”
Beth Gill, vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the faculty, said efforts to increase the diversity of the faculty have been productive, but that change takes time. “Though I have been here only a little over a year, I understand we have seen an increase in faculty diversity in the last 10 years, but lasting change does not happen overnight,” Gill said. “We are certainly not where we want to be in this area, but we remain deeply committed to actively pursuing opportunities to further advance faculty diversity. A diverse community is intrinsic to Austin College’s educational mission to foster lively intellectual and social interaction among persons of different origins, experiences, beliefs, accomplishments, and goals. Having a diverse faculty and student body leads to great educational benefits for all members of our community, particularly our students.
Steve Goldsmith, professor of biology, serves as Dean of Sciences. Max Grober, professor of history, is Dean of Humanities.