How is Queen Bee Syndrome Hurting Academics?

Prof. Clarke initiated this book project motivated by a conversation highlighting the Queen Bee Syndrome in academia. With over 20 years of experience in the education field, she brings a wealth of practical insights. Her extensive professional background within academia uniquely positions her to address the Queen Bee Syndrome. Addressing the Queen Bee Syndrome in Academia (ISBN: 9781668477175) is a book that not only draws from her collective experiences but also encourages a broader dialogue to eradicate this phenomenon from the academic workplace. Her longstanding commitment to education contributes to the depth and authority of their perspectives on the Queen Bee Syndrome.

Prof. Clarke: The motivation for starting this book project began with a conversation between Dr. Moffett and me. I was sharing with him a recent experience I had, and he made reference to the experience being an example of the Queen Bee Syndrome. It was interesting to hear his views as a man who had witnessed this behavior. We both felt this conversation needed to be shared with a larger audience because it is something that happens quite often but is not discussed.

Prof. Clarke: The book addresses the Queen Bee Syndrome. That is women in leadership positions harm their junior female colleagues (in a variety of ways) because they fear the junior colleague will somehow take their position.

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Karis L. Clarke is a Professor, Director, and Assistant Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Touro University California who works to prepare educators to meet the needs of all students locally, nationally, and internationally. Karis is a passionate educator cultivating the growth and development of educators. For 10+ years Karis has driven the development of teacher education with oversight of training programs instructional strategies, curriculum planning, and accreditation. As a leader and mentor, she fosters dynamic and high performing instructional environments to enhance the student experience and sustain retention. She further encouraged growth by collaborating cross-functionally with internal and external constituencies to drive strategic direction while articulating the institutional mission. Dr. Clarke is a certified early childhood teacher, elementary supervisor, elementary principal, and superintendent in South Carolina and holds Elementary Education (P-5) and Educational Leadership-Tier II certification in Georgia. She taught pre-kindergarten, second grade and third grade in the Beaufort County School District (Beaufort, South Carolina). She has served as an instructor and university supervisor at Winthrop University; Assistant Professor, Coordinator, Title III Activity Director, and Interim Director of Teacher Education at Morris College; Director of Teacher Education at Columbia College; Associate Professor, Department Head of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Anderson University, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Educational Leadership at Clark Atlanta University, and Education Consultant. Karis holds a B.A. in political science from Florida A&M University, M.A.T. in early childhood education from the College of Charleston, Ed.S. and Ed.D. in educational administration from South Carolina State University. She has also completed post bachelor’s work at Florida
State University.

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