Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom is a distinguished sociologist, author, and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Her research critically explores the intersections of race, gender, education, and digital technology, providing profound insights into the complexities of higher education in contemporary society. As an influential voice in the academic world, Dr. Cottom is committed to examining how systemic inequities shape educational opportunities for marginalized groups.
Academic Journey and Role at UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. Cottom earned her Bachelor of Arts from North Carolina Central University and both her Master’s and Ph.D. from Emory University, where her research laid the foundation for her career in higher education. Currently, Dr. Cottom serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Information and Library Science at UNC Chapel Hill. She is also a senior research faculty member at the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life. At UNC, Dr. Cottom continues to challenge traditional educational paradigms, integrating critical sociological perspectives into her teaching and research.
Lower Ed: A Groundbreaking Examination of For-Profit Colleges
Dr. Cottom's acclaimed book, Lower Ed: The Troubling Rise of For-Profit Colleges in the New Economy, is a critical exploration of the rise of for-profit higher education institutions in the United States. Through rigorous analysis and firsthand accounts, Dr. Cottom critiques how these institutions exploit the dreams of low-income students, particularly those from marginalized communities, offering false promises of upward mobility. Lower Ed has become a foundational text in understanding the intersection of education, race, and capitalism, offering invaluable insights into the economic forces that shape higher education.
Public Scholarship: Amplifying Marginalized Voices
Dr. Cottom’s contributions extend beyond academia through her powerful public scholarship. Her essays and articles have been featured in renowned publications such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, where she addresses pressing issues in higher education, race, gender, and technology. In 2022, Dr. Cottom joined The New York Times as an opinion columnist, continuing her work of engaging broader audiences in critical discussions about the future of education and societal equity.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Cottom’s groundbreaking work has earned her significant recognition. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often called the "genius grant," in acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to the fields of sociology and education. This recognition highlights her transformative impact on the way we understand education and its role in shaping societal structures. Additionally, Dr. Cottom was honored with the Joseph B. and Toby Gittler Prize in 2023 for her work examining technology, race, and educational inequality.
Commitment to Social Change and Future Research
At UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Cottom continues to influence the next generation of scholars and change-makers, teaching students to critically examine how race, gender, and technology shape educational opportunities. Her ongoing research delves into the complexities of digital education, seeking to understand how emerging technologies both amplify and challenge existing inequalities in higher education.
Through her scholarship, teaching, and public engagement, Dr. Cottom remains dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers in education and advocating for greater equity. Her work challenges institutions like UNC Chapel Hill to rethink how they can better serve marginalized communities and create more inclusive educational experiences.
Conclusion: A Future-Shaping Educator
Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom’s work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill exemplifies the power of education to drive social change. By interrogating the forces that shape educational inequality, she provides both scholars and students with the tools to challenge and transform higher education. Dr. Cottom’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, making her a critical voice in the ongoing dialogue about the future of education and the societal shifts needed to achieve greater equity for all students.
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