Improving Black student outcomes: The multifaceted role of psychology professors in higher education

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe opportunity gap has contributed to unequal educational opportunities and success among Black youth, college students, and early career professionals. The American Psychological Association, Association for Black Psychologists, and Academics for Black Survival and Wellness (A4BL) have called psychologists to act in support of Black lives in higher education. Most research and guidance on this topic are communicated in a siloed manner (e.g. content for multicultural psychology courses) and across single domains (e.g. teaching). However, closing the gap warrants widespread change at many levels, requiring psychology professors to have a multifaceted impact simultaneously through their many roles. This article reviews (1) the opportunity gap in higher education and among early career psychologists; (2) psychology’s contribution to this gap; (3) evidence-based strategies to address the gap in higher education and in training the next generation of psychologists; and (4) 1 psychology professor’s multifaceted plan and actions in response to A4BL call to action including notable outcomes and lessons learned.