Student Involvement and Development, Recommended Resources - DiversityWeb Student Involvement and Development Role Models and Mentors for Young Black Administrators, Faculty and Students at Predominantly White Campuses by Clarence G. Williams Educators must begin to revisit the topic of mentoring and role models in higher education, especially as it relates to blacks at predominantly white college campuses. In order to understand the issue of role models and mentors, it is important to define these terms.
Role models are impressive and important figures in the distance.
You can admire, emulate, respect, and almost worship such persons, but the role model does not necessarily have to know that you exist. Or, if they do, role models do not make a commitment to your development. Any aid they provide is by example, not by giving the student direct advice or providing recommendations for fellowships or jobs, spending time with the student discussing their work, or caring about the student as an individual. One can learn a great deal by observing successful role models. There is a special feeling and a confirmation of who I can be.