New research by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) reveals a need for diversity, equity and inclusion within the higher education information technology field.
According to the report, Diversity in Higher Education Information Technology: From Today’s Workforce to Tomorrow’s Leaders, White men make up to 59 percent of higher education IT employees, and about 70 percent of minorities in higher ed IT positions are men. Black and Hispanic women are the least-represented groups in higher education IT, with a combined three-percent representation.
However, the IT college student demographic does not reflect the lack of diversity among their professors. The study found that women make up 57 percent of the classroom while minorities make up 42 percent.
“I think that the institutions that are wise and thoughtful are looking at those changing demographics and trying to put together strategies to be well prepared for that changing student demographic in the future,” said Keith McIntosh, vice president and chief information officer at the University of Richmond.
In addition to racial and gender disparities, the higher education IT workforce has been increasingly getting older and holding positions longer.
Around 43 percent of IT administrators are over the age of 55. Additionally, almost 39 percent of higher education IT administrators have more than 10 years in their current role compared to only 25 percent of other administrators, the report states.
CUPA-HR, an organization that aims to achieve organizational and workforce excellence through advocacy and resources, hopes this research will raise awareness about the lack of diversity within the field.
