Empowering Minoritized Students: Proven Strategies for Ensuring Their Safety in Schools

Title: Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Oklahoma

Age: 38

Education: B.S. and MBA, Albany State University; M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Indiana State University; Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Career mentors: Influential figures include Dr. Brian McGowan, Dr. Kimberly A. Griffin, and Dr. Shaun Harper.

Advice for new faculty: “Be unapologetic about your work. Trust in the possibility of achieving the impossible.”

In June 2024, Dr. Kaleb Briscoe represented the University of Oklahoma at the White House. She shared her research on the safety of Black students and the rise of hate crimes on college campuses. Her expertise was called upon at a critical time in our educational landscape.

Briscoe comes from a family steeped in the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). She earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from Albany State University. During her time there, mentors inspired her to appreciate the depth of education and the importance of Black thought.

Leadership came naturally to her. “I was always advocating for students’ rights at ASU, working alongside university leaders,” Briscoe recalls. This experience ignited her passion for advancing higher education.

She later pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a predominantly white institution. This unique setting gave her valuable insights into the challenges Black students face. She credits her success to the mentors and multicultural resources available during her studies.

Briscoe’s work focuses on troubling issues like white supremacy and the impact of recent political movements on higher education. She analyzes legislative efforts against critical race theory (CRT) and diversity initiatives. “University leaders must respond effectively to these challenges,” she emphasizes.

Recent years have been particularly tough, with anti-DEI and anti-CRT movements gaining ground. Briscoe believes that securing funding has been vital for her continued research. She urges her peers to seek financial support strategically. “The right funding makes our work more valid,” she insists, recognizing the role of organizations like The Spencer Foundation.

Briscoe’s scholarly contributions have caught attention in academic circles. Dr. Shaun Harper, a notable figure in the field, describes her work as “mind-blowing” and credits her studies on campus racial climate as especially impactful.

Despite facing online criticism, Briscoe appreciates the backing from her mentors and institution. She remains optimistic about the future and considers expanding her advocacy into law, particularly regarding anti-DEI legislation. This new wave of regulations threatens resources meant for marginalized students, information that could lead to a drop in enrollment and faculty retention.

“There’s a sense that people will wake up to these issues,” Briscoe observes. “We’re already seeing trends of students leaving institutions that don’t feel safe.”