The Power of Reverse Faculty Mentoring Programs

Reverse mentoring is a prominent example of intergenerational partnership in which students and faculty from recent generations share knowledge, perspectives, and expertise with more seasoned and veteran faculty. In essence, it reverses hierarchical relationships and creates a level playing field for the transmission of knowledge and skills. Although such mentoring programs are not widespread in higher education, a number of corporations—such as BNY Mellon, Dell, Estée Lauder, Procter & Gamble, and Time Warner—have realized its value in the retention of talent and in promoting diversity.