Denise Davis-Maye, Ph.D.

The membership of Sisters of the Academy (SOTA) continues to build upon the legacy of our foremothers who labored, marched, bled, and fought so that we might have the opportunity to pursue the dreams they had for us. We, Sisters of the Academy, own our responsibility to assure that the conduit does not close after us.

Our purpose is to increase the numbers of graduate, professional students, administrators, and tenured faculty of African ancestry through provision of support and tangible resources which will affirmatively impact the career success and achievement of current faculty members and administrators, while cultivating a network of developing scholars of African ancestry.

Our bi-annual Research BootCamp and Writing Retreat have provided opportunities for advanced doctoral students and faculty to advance their research agendas and complete exciting publishable manuscripts. We are excited about the addition of a Research BootCamp that will serve our membership who are currently in or on an administrative track in their careers. Additionally, we have extended our outreach and simultaneously extended the "pipeline" by offering internship and leadership training opportunities to Masters and Baccalaureate students who have an interest in pre-Doctoral preparation and mentorship. It is our goal to nurture these young women early in their academic careers, such that their trajectories are more soundly navigated across the academy.

Sisters of the Academy exists for and because of our members. The previously mentioned events and programs are magnificent opportunities to become fully engaged with the organization. Sharing your expertise and experiences can make the difference in the life and career of an emerging scholar. More seasoned scholars have expressed being energized by the work carried out by some of the more junior scholars and have even established research collaborations as a result of their active participation. Your contributions and active participation in planning and implementing the Research BootCamp©, Writing Retreat, and other SOTA activities are welcomed!

Additionally, we have several committees, through which your expertise can be shared. For example Marketing, Development, Research, and the various event planning committees can always use your scholastic experience. Joining these committees is as easy as contacting the listed committee chairperson.

I am thrilled about the continuation of existing initiatives and the establishment of new relationships. I am excited about our new members and look forward to engaging them on behalf of SOTA. If there is any way that I or SOTA might be of assistance, or if you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me at davisd4@auburn.edu.

To the Uplift of My Sisters