Perspectives of Faculty: Teaching During COVID-19 Onset

The Coronavirus pandemic is a complex issue that fundamentally altered the landscape of higher education. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. By March 2020, colleges and universities across the United States experienced abrupt disruptions to teaching, learning, advising, internships, and student teaching. This study examines the perspectives of faculty regarding their teaching roles during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four African American female researchers from universities in Louisiana explored the experiences of five faculty members during the pandemic shutdown. Using qualitative methods and autobiographical narratives, this study examined the impact of the interruption of structured professional environments on teaching, advising, research, and service. Findings contribute to the literature on faculty development, mentorship, professional learning communities, and the lived experiences of African American faculty in higher education.