In this bonus episode of The Black Crown Chronicles Podcast, Dr. Rowe had the pleasure of being selected as Morgan State University's Alumni Spotlight. She is the first alumni feature for the Advanced Studies, Leadership, & Policy Department.Dr. Rowe talked extensively with Dr. Kimberly MacManus about Black hair and the dissertation journey. In May 2023, Dr. Rowe was awarded the 2023 Howard Simons Outstanding Dissertation of the Year, titled "Crowning Glory: Exploring the narratives of Black women with natural hair and hair texture during the construction of professional identities as medical and law professionals." The dissertation focused on the professional identity construction of Black women in medical and law school with natural hair and hair texture. If you would like to read the dissertation, you can find it digitally in any electronic library.
This episode is a candid conversation about Black women and their hair and how Dr. Rowe’s dissertation helped to promulgate a much-needed discussion about natural hair presentation and the identities of professional Black women. Dr. Rowe talks about her postdoctoral work, future projects and gives some helpful advice to current doctoral students pursuing the terminal degree while remaining persistent and healthy.
Make sure to subscribe to The Black Crown Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform. You can stay connected with Dr. Rowe on Instagram @dr_kernysha_rowe for updates and behind-the-scenes content or visit drkernysharowe.com for the full transcription of this episode.