Changing Higher Ed How Faculty Diversity Drives Enrollment: The PhD Project’s 90% Success Model
When the PhD Project launched in 1994, you could count the number of diverse students at major business school recruiting events on one hand. Today, after 30 years of systemic change, the initiative has graduated over 1,700 faculty members of color with an extraordinary 90% completion rate – nearly double the national average for doctoral programs. Even more remarkable, 97% of these graduates stay in academia.
But here’s what makes this story particularly compelling for university leaders: Research has shown that the presence of a diverse faculty is the second highest correlating factor (after state demographics) in attracting diverse students to universities. It’s not just about representation – it’s about institutional success and survival in an increasingly global economy.
This episode of Changing Higher Ed® features Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, Graduate of the PhD Project, Interim Chancellor at Rutgers University, Newark, and Blane Ruschak, President of the PhD Project and Consultant with KPMG. The PhD Project is a 30-year-old initiative focused on increasing diversity in business school faculty.
The podcast highlights the project’s impact on diversifying the talent pipeline by providing mentorship and support to underrepresented students pursuing PhDs in business. Robinson and Ruschak share their personal experiences and explain the project’s systemic approach to change, emphasizing the economic benefits of a diverse workforce alongside recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse faculty.
Key Discussion Points: The Origins and Mission of the PhD Project:- Founded nearly 30 years ago to address the lack of diversity in business schools and the workforce.
- Aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty in business schools, which in turn attracts more diverse students to the field.
- Driven by the recognition of a changing global business environment and the demand for a diverse workforce.
- Sponsors an annual conference for underrepresented minority students to learn about business PhD programs.
- Provides financial support, networking opportunities, and mentorship to students throughout their doctoral journey.
- Boasts a 90% completion rate for its participants, with 97% staying in academia.
- Continues to support graduates through developmental programs focused on teaching, research, and leadership.
- Diverse faculty serve as role models for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- They bring different lived experiences, perspectives, and connections to the classroom, enriching the learning environment for all students.
- Contributes to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions.
- Diverse workforces are better equipped to relate to a wider range of clients and customers.
- Companies benefit from the diverse perspectives and talents of their employees.
- The PhD Project creates a strong support network for participants, helping them navigate the challenges of doctoral studies.
- Alumni continue to mentor and collaborate with each other, further strengthening the community.
- Retaining diverse faculty is crucial and requires universities to provide adequate support and protect them from excessive service demands.
- Universities must hold leaders accountable for diversity recruitment goals.
- Invest in recruiting and retaining diverse faculty, recognizing the long-term benefits of attracting and educating a diverse student body.
- Provide necessary support and mentorship to diverse faculty, ensuring their success and protecting them from being overburdened with diversity-related tasks.
- Hold university leaders accountable for achieving diversity goals and creating an inclusive campus environment.
The PhD Project is a powerful example of how a focused effort can make a significant impact on diversifying higher education and the workforce. Its success lies in its comprehensive approach, which combines financial support, mentorship, and community building.
Read the transcript on our website at https://changinghighered.com/faculty-diversity-drives-enrollment-the-phd-project/
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About Our Guests
Dr. Jeffrey Robinson is an award-winning author and the Prudential Chair in Business at Rutgers Business School, currently serving as Interim Chancellor of Rutgers University – Newark following two years as Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. His research focuses on the intersection of business and society, addressing community and economic development in urban areas in the United States and abroad. Through academic leadership and community-engaged scholarship, he has a direct impact on corporate workplaces, entrepreneurs, and economic development policy in New Jersey and beyond. He has conducted groundbreaking studies on African American women entrepreneurs, social innovation, and minority representation in technology entrepreneurship. His recent book “Black Faces in High Places,” co-authored with Dr. Randal Pinkett, won a Gold Medal Axiom Book Award. An accomplished scholar with five degrees spanning engineering, urban studies, and business, Dr. Robinson has delivered keynote speeches and presentations across six continents during his distinguished 25-year academic career.
Connect with Jeffrey Robinson on LinkedIn →
Blane Ruschak serves as the President of The PhD Project, where he oversees the strategy and operations of The PhD Project, which is a program designed to create more diverse business leaders by supporting diverse professionals to get their PhD in business and become role models in the classroom, academic administration and academic leadership positions. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and works out of Montvale, New Jersey.
Connect with Blane Ruschak on LinkedIn →
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is Principal Consultant and CEO of The Change Leader, Inc.—a highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience. Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.
Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.