Laying the Groundwork, Transforming the University: An Origin Story of a Latinx Mentoring Program at a Predominantly White Institution

Abstract

In this case study, we use two complementary frameworks, Kotter's (1996, 2014) change model and Torres’ (2019, 2021) Transformational Resistant Leadership theory, to analyze institutional change processes and activist leaders’ actions that laid the groundwork for a Latinx mentoring program at a Predominantly white 1 Institution (PwI). Our investigation revealed the importance of critically analyzing societal forces, recognizing causes of systemic institutional change, and theoretically grounding insights of successful efforts to disrupt systemic racism. Our study offers a guide for PwIs and illustrates how faculty, administrators, and communities of color collaboratively engage to enact institutional change.