Perspectives of the college department head regarding assisting junior faculty in achieving promotion and tenure at a historically black land grant university

The study examined the perspectives of three college department heads and their work regarding assisting junior faculty in achieving promotion and tenure at a Historically Black Land Grant University (HBLGU). A case study approach was utilized, employing both within case and cross case analysis. Purposeful sampling was used to select three college department heads from one institution of higher learning. Data were collected in semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Additionally, the researcher compiled field notes and examined documents obtained through the participants and accessed on the World Wide Web. Data from each were analyzed and then across cases in which three common themes emerged: 1) Department heads must be knowledgeable of the promotion and tenure procedures to help junior faculty through the process, 2) Department heads have a keen responsibility toward junior faculty related to the promotion and tenure process, and 3) Department heads need.