To Live More Abundantly: Black Collegiate Women, Howard University, and the Audacity of Dean Lucy Diggs Slowe

This book explores how Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first trained African American student affairs professional in the US, fostered belonging in higher education institutions that marginalized her. Slowe's philosophy of living more abundantly envisioned educational access and institutionalized campus thriving for Black college women. She founded Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority, and served as its first president. Slowe empowered Black college women to invest in their growth, engage in community building, and pursue leadership opportunities. Her deaning philosophy of living more abundantly represents an important Black feminist approach to inclusion in higher education.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Focusing on the remarkable career of Lucy Diggs Slowe, the pioneering African American student affairs professional in the United States, this book delves into how her philosophy of living more abundantly envisioned educational access and institutionalized campus thriving for Black college women. Born in 1883, Slowe faced the early loss of her parents and was raised by a paternal aunt. Despite facing numerous challenges, she secured a scholarship to attend Howard University in 1904, where she made history by becoming the first trained African American student affairs professional.

During her undergraduate years, Slowe played a pivotal role in founding Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority in the United States. She also served as its inaugural president, demonstrating her commitment to empowering Black women. After graduating with honors in 1908, Slowe excelled as a secondary school teacher and administrator, earning recognition as a national tennis champion.

In 1922, Slowe returned to her alma mater as its first full-time dean of women. Over a span of fifteen years, she tirelessly worked to empower early twentieth-century Black college women to invest in their individual growth, engage in community building, and pursue leadership opportunities. To foster Black womens higher education success, Slowe organized both the National Association of College Women and the National Association of Womens Deans and Advisers of Colored Schools. Through her unwavering dedication, Slowe established long-standing traditions and affirming practices to encourage Black womens involvement in the extracurricular life of their campuses.

Slowes deaning philosophy of living more abundantly represents a significant Black feminist approach to inclusion in higher education. Her unwavering commitment to empowering Black college women and her vision of a thriving campus culture have left an indelible mark on the landscape of higher education. This book serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of equality in achieving educational success.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820361642