The Hispanic Faculty Experience: Opportunities for Growth and Retention in Christian Colleges and Universities - Paperback

by Octavio J. Esqueda (Author), Benjamin Espinoza (Author)

Hispanics are not a current trend. They have been here for centuries and embody an integral part of the United States and higher education.

Every racial term--including Hispanic, Latino/a, and more recently Latinx and Latine--is imperfect and problematic. There is no consensus about what works best. Despite this reality, the lives and stories of non-White faculty are essential to the future of Christian higher education.

Each author shares their account of working in a predominately White Christian institution. Filled with triumphs, struggles, and penetrating insights, the chapters explain what it is like to experience the shifting demographics of today's universities, which are bringing increasing numbers of Hispanic students even as the overall number of Hispanic colleagues remains exceedingly small. This book will be especially useful for leaders who may be unaware of how difficult it is to navigate the challenges of Christian higher education as Hispanic faculty.

Author Biography

Benjamin D. Espinoza, serves as Vice President of Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University. Espinoza graduated from Cedarville University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Michigan State University, where he earned his PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. He is the editor of Theology and the Star Wars Universe and lead editor of Story, Formation, and Culture. Ben has written numerous articles in the areas of Christian formation and ministry, race and diversity, theological education, and leadership.

Octavio J. Esqueda is Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the PhD and EdD Programs in Educational Studies at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He graduated from the University of Guadalajara, Dallas Theological Seminary, and the University of North Texas, where he earned a PhD in Higher Education. The author of several journal articles on theological education, Christian higher education, and literature, Esqueda has coauthored Anointed Teaching and The Cruciform Faculty. More info can be found at octavioesqueda.com.