When disempowered employees, like part-time professors, are told they need professional development, it often creates negative emotions that leadership does not address. To disempowered employees, professional development commonly seems like a time investment that does not address day-to-day job challenges.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
