Ep. 141: Dr. Jennifer Bloomquist on Learnings from 20 Years of Being a “First” At Gettysburg Colleg
Dr. Jennifer Bloomquist
Ph.D. in Linguistics
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
As Gettysburg College’s first black administrator, and the only black woman to ever be a full professor at the college, Dr. Jennifer Bloomquist has many stories to share from her 20 year career. Although there have been challenges of being immersed in all-white spaces at the college, Jennifer has always felt that the institution has invested in helping her achieve success, and she in turn, has made it her goal to do the same for other black and brown folks who come through Gettysburg’s doors. In today’s episode, Jennifer shares how her doctoral degree and her family commitments led her to Gettysburg, and her journey from Assistant Professor of Africana Studies to Associate Provost of Faculty Development and the Dean of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. We also discuss the pros and cons of working at a liberal arts college as opposed to an R1, the most effective mentorship model, how to break away from harmful socialization, and ways to make academic institutions more hospitable to people of color.
Connect with Dr. Jennifer Bloomquist on LinkedIn.
Key Points From This Episode:
Jennifer shares the educational journey that led her to the role she currently holds at Gettysburg College.
What Jennifer loves about the fact that she has been at one institution for the duration of her 20 year career.
The main goal that Jennifer set for herself when she started working at Gettysburg.
Some of the downsides and frustrations of spending a career at one institution.
Jennifer takes us down the path that led to her tenure at Gettysburg.
Challenges that Jennifer faced when she moved from Africana Studies to Administration and the Provost Office.
Comparing Jennifer’s experience with mentors at graduate school and at Gettysburg.
How Jennifer has fought against the way women are socialized to deal with money.
Examples of what, other than money, you can negotiate for as a member of an academic institution.
Tradeoffs that come with working at a liberal arts college as opposed to an R1.
Gettysburg College’s family friendly environment.
Jennifer’s dissertation project, and the findings from it.
The education-centered home that Jennifer was brought up in.
Advice from Jennifer for people who are considering a graduate degree, and for faculty members wondering how they can make their institutions more hospitable to people of color.
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