Earl Emanuel Thomas EdD is assistant professor in the School of Education at Saint Xavier University, Chicago Illinois. His research interests include teacher practices, diversity, and faculty in higher education. His recent publications include “Collaboration: An alternative for mentoring new faculty” (Journal of Adventist Education 2008), “The adult learner: Here to stay” (Black Issues in Higher Education 2005). “Minimizing barriers in teacher diversity professional development”(Association of Teacher Educator Yearbook 2008).