Chapter 12: “You Forgot Your Pearls and Gloves”: A Meditation From a Vice President of Student Affairs Available to Purchase

This chapter focuses on the personal and professional experiences of an African American woman vice president of student affairs, who has spent some of her 2-decade plus career working at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Positing from a critical race feminist (CRF) perspective, and utilizing a self-authored meditation, the writer discusses her occupational journey, the importance and use of student development theory, and connecting theory to practice by “making meaning” of student affairs work, by countering the narrative of not possessing her “pearls and gloves.” Similarly, she encourages the reader to “not be discouraged,” as they traverse the field of student affairs by practicing work–life integration; approaching the work as an “inspirational challenge”; knowing their personal, professional, and ethical core; and, exemplifying model behavior, while locating opportunities for support and mentorship.