Episode 20 explores Dr. Cabrera’s role and philosophy as a public scholar in the context of systems of tenure. He speaks about the Influence of college presidents in setting the tone for serving first-generation and low-income students as well as where he finds a supportive community of scholars of color to practice vulnerability. To end, Dr. Cabrera shares two of the biggest lessons imparted by his mentors and offers guidance for scholars of color in their own efforts to make social impact as faculty. You’ll be left inspired and reflective after this incredible episode!
About Dr. Cabrera:
Dr. Cabrera is an associate professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Arizona. His work explores racial dynamics of college campuses with a particular focus on Whiteness. He was also one of the expert witnesses in the Federal trial regarding the ban on Mexican American Studies in Tucson Unified, and he was the only academic featured on the MTV documentary “White People.”
Show Highlights:
- Listen to how Nolan sees his identity shaped by the concept of duality 02:20
- Hear more about the fascinating work Nolan is engaging in exploring racism on campus and how he arrived to it professionally 10:25
- Check out where Nolan finds a supportive professional community 32:57
- Engage with the impactful and resonate lessons and advice Nolan has for professionals 36:06
- Connect with some of Nolan’s favorite inclusion literature 46:31
Notable Quotes:
- “[Explaining ‘me-search’] In the whole universe of ideas, what arbitrarily draws you into it. A lot of times your personal biography can inform these decisions you make. You’re not just engaging in scholarly activity, you’re sort of going at a process of self exploration.” 04:05
- “[In reference to the Arizona Assurance Initiative] It was one of the first times I’ve seen an institution be fundamentally committed on multiple levels to low income students. Seeing them as assets to the institution.” 23:03
- “Academic freedom is like a muscle; if you don’t use it, it atrophies.” 37:58
- Inspirational quote from James Baldwin:
“[T]his collision between one’s image of oneself and what one actually is, is always very painful and there are two things you can do about it. You can meet the collision head-on and try and become what you really are or you can retreat and try to remain what you thought you were, which is a fantasy, in which you will certainly perish.” (1961, p. 126) 50:58
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