Black Women in Higher Education: School of Communications
AUTHOR: Sarah Breyfogle
Women’s participation in the field of communications has been historically complex, in part because of the breadth of the communications field. Women have made significant strides in communications despite historically being underrepresented, particularly at the highest levels. The shift towards a predominantly female faculty at Howard University's communication program signifies a positive change, reflecting the increasing presence and influence of women in this field. However, it's important to recognize that women's participation in communications has been multifaceted due to the changing nature of the field. As communication continues to evolve, it is imperative to celebrate and support the contributions of women in this dynamic and vital profession. This study provides a concise summary of the School's history, an investigation into the experiences of its first female leaders, and a comprehensive examination of gender-related faculty employment data. These sources collectively present a historical pattern showing women's consistent underrepresentation in Howard’s School of Communications, which has now shifted to an overrepresentation across various levels. The study also addresses the implications arising from this shift in balance.