In this episode of the Varying Viewpoints podcast series, we invited Alvin Schexnider, Managing Principal at Schexnider & Associates, LLC, to discuss his book Confessions of a Black Academic. He reflects on his experiences growing up in the segregated South, navigating academia and advocating for greater support for Black faculty and students. Alvin describes Confessions of a Black Academic as a deeply personal and reflective account of his journey through higher education and leadership. He shares his motivation for writing the book, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to document their experiences to inspire and guide others. Alvin also shares how mentorship has shaped his career and his challenges, from being overlooked in academic spaces to navigating biases against research focused on African American studies. Alvin highlights the critical role of HBCUs in fostering upward mobility and the importance of self-care and emotional intelligence in succeeding in professional settings.
Listen to this episode to learn more about Alvin’s unique journey, his challenges, and his insights on creating more supportive environments in higher education.
