East Texas A&M University is helping junior faculty prepare for one of the most significant milestones in their academic careers: Earning tenure.

Through the “Investing in You” Junior Faculty Career Development and Support Program, faculty have opportunities to connect with colleagues, learn from experienced university faculty and leaders, strengthen their research agendas and gain valuable guidance as they navigate the tenure process.

Now in its third year, Investing in You currently serves 14 junior faculty members from across the university. The program was developed by Dr. Sharonda Pruitt, assistant professor of Educational Leadership, during her first year as a Junior Provost Fellow.

Recognizing the unique challenges faculty face during their early years in higher education, Pruitt envisioned a program that would provide practical resources, mentorship and a supportive community focused on long-term faculty success. The program creates a space where junior faculty can ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance on navigating the expectations of teaching, scholarship and service while preparing for tenure.

One of the program’s most valuable features is the opportunity for junior faculty to engage directly with senior faculty members and university leaders who have successfully navigated the tenure process. Rather than focusing exclusively on institutional policies and procedures, these conversations emphasize real experiences, practical lessons and strategies for professional growth. Senior faculty share what worked for them, challenges they encountered, and advice they wish they had received earlier in their academic careers.

“Hearing from senior faculty is key to junior faculty success,” Pruitt said. “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Their experiences, lessons, and willingness to share what they have learned can help junior faculty navigate the tenure journey with greater knowledge and confidence. Investing in You creates an additional space where those important conversations and relationships can happen.”

Research development is another important component of the program. Through its Research Acceleration Grant initiative, Investing in You provides participating junior faculty with financial resources to support their scholarly productivity. Approved activities may include conference travel to present research, travel associated with data collection, and the purchase of research software.

“Preparing for tenure begins during the first years of a faculty member’s career,” Pruitt said. “Our goal is to help faculty become intentional about their professional growth, develop sustainable research agendas and understand how the decisions they make today contribute to their long-term success.”

Pruitt brings extensive experience in educational leadership, program development, and grant administration to her work with Investing in You. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, she serves as Director of the Pride Prep Program, a university-school partnership that provides rural high school students opportunities to earn college credit beginning in 9th grade, including taking classes on the ETAMU Commerce campus.

She also serves as Principal Investigator of the federally funded Attaining College Entry and Success (ACES) grant, a $1.23 million initiative designed to expand college access and strengthen postsecondary readiness and success among students in rural communities. Through this work, Pruitt has led collaborative efforts involving school districts, university personnel, and community partners to create postsecondary educational opportunities and support student achievement in the workforce.

Her experiences leading both Pride Prep and ACES have helped shape her approach to Investing in You, particularly her emphasis on building relationships, connecting individuals with resources and creating structured opportunities for professional growth.

“Whether we are supporting high school students preparing for college or junior faculty preparing for tenure, the importance of providing the right support at the right time remains the same,” Pruitt said. “Investing in people means recognizing their potential and creating opportunities for them to succeed.”

As Investing in You continues through the 2026–2027 academic year, the program remains committed to helping junior faculty approach the tenure process with confidence.