Dawson inks article for Inside Higher Ed

Dawson inks article in Inside Higher Ed

Kenyatta Y. Dawson, PhD, program director of the Division of Multidisciplinary Studies at Texas Woman’s University, recently published an opinion piece in Inside Higher Ed, “A Path to Wellness for Women of Color Academics.”

The article advocates for holistic wellness practices among women of color in academia and presents a thoughtful call for institutional transformation.

Dawson draws upon her own experiences and scholarly work to highlight the emotional labor, systemic barriers and chronic stress that women of color faculty members may face in higher education. She advocates for a reimagined academic culture—one that values rest, acknowledges lived experiences and fosters supportive networks that promote wellness and career satisfaction.

“Slow living is not a retreat from ambition—it’s a radical act of alignment,” Dawson said. “When we pace ourselves with intention, we create space for purpose, healing, and sustainable excellence.

“Career satisfaction grows not from how quickly we climb, but from how well we care for ourselves and each other on the way up.”