Cross‐Cultural Mentoring in Counselor Education: A Strategy for Retaining Minority Faculty

Abstract

The advantages and challenges of cross‐cultural mentoring relationships in counselor education are discussed, with specific attention to the importance for minority junior faculty as well as for the profession.

Mentoring in Academia: Considerations for Diverse Populations

“…Finally, we also know that the presence (or absence) of mentors of color is an important variable in the professional development of psychology doctoral students of color (Pope-Davis et al, 1997). This need for mentors for students of color has been stressed in other scholarly work as well (e.g., Blackwell, 1989;Brinson & Kottler, 1993). Therefore, it appears that addressing the under-representation of nontraditional students and faculty in academia is critical, and one in which mentoring can play an important role.…”

“…Some examples include (a) a lack of faculty role models of color (Pope-Davis et al, 1997), (b) differences in cultural values between mentor and protégé (Goto, 1999), (c) not understanding the importance of good mentoring to success in one's career (Grant-Thompson & Atkinson, 1997), and (d) reluctance entering a cross-race advising or mentoring relationship (Brinson & Kottler, 1993). In addition, faculty members may believe one or more myths about mentoring students of color (see Brown, Davis, and McClendon, 1999), and faculty of color may be overwhelmed with requests for mentorship from students of color.…”

The Future of Women in Aviation: Trends in Participation in Postsecondary Aviation Education

“…Turney, et a1 (2002) found that women aviation college students reported higher confidence and better educational experiences when in contact with female faculty. Other studies indicate that a diverse set of faculty mentors is conducive to supporting a diverse set of students (Umbach, 2005;Brinson and Kottler, 1993). The retention and success of new professors fiom underrepresented groups has been found to improve with the guidance by a diverse set of fellow faculty, thus helping to insure long-term faculty diversity (Willdorf, 2000).…”

Island Diasporas: Perceptions of Indo-Caribbean Protégés Regarding the Effects of their Cross-Cultural Mentoring Experiences in the United States

“…Socio-cultural factors that are characteristic of some minority groups may form barriers that lead to mistrust, caution, power relations, oppression, discrimination, judgment, and reduced opportunities (Brinson & Kottler, 1993). As a result, minorities may feel a sense of isolation that could lead them to relinquish certain aspects of their cultural identity in efforts to fit in.…”

“…Cross-cultural mentoring offers distinctive benefits to both mentor and protégé. Unity and acceptance between a mentor and protégé increases awareness of different backgrounds, broadens perspectives, and leads to emotional satisfaction, increased creativity and productivity (Brinson & Kottler, 1993). A harmonious, crosscultural mentoring relationship achieved through mutuality within common interests, can enhance a protégés academic, personal and professional success (Levinson, Darrow, Klein, Levinson, & McKee, 1978).…”