Commentary on “Racial and ethnic diversity in academic nursing leadership: A cross-sectional analysis” by Travers and colleagues (2024)

Abstract

The purpose of this commentary is to highlight key points made by Travers and colleagues (2024) in their study entitled, “Racial and ethnic diversity in academic nursing leadership: A cross-sectional analysis” and provide additional recommendations for future research and policy related to diversity in academic nursing leadership. While there is a significant underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minoritized populations in academic leadership in nursing, the level of underrepresentation and contributors to underrepresentation are not the same across racial and ethnic minoritized populations. As we design strategies to promote diversity in academic nursing it is important to benchmark efforts to ensure representation from groups who experience the most significant health inequities, create tailored strategies that consider the unique historical and contemporary barriers to leadership in academic nursing across and within minoritized groups, and build upon evidence-based strategies, especially the important role that minority serving institutions have played.