A 20-Year Mentoring Collaboration of Women Faculty: The Story of the Posse

Oct 27, 2025

Dr. Maria Newton and her colleagues—Lori A. Gano-Overway, Mary D. Fry, Marta Guivernau, and Mi-Sook Kim—published a manuscript titled, “A 20-Year Mentoring Collaboration of Women Faculty: The Story of the Posse.”

Maria Newton, Lori Gano-Overway, Mary Fry, Marta Guivernau, and Mi-Sook Kim standing near a bridge
Maria Newton (University of Utah) Lori Gano-Overway (James Madison University), Mary Fry (University of Kansas), Marta Guivernau (Kent State University), Mi-Sook Kim (CSU Dominguez Hills)

The study examines the process and benefits of a 20-year mentoring collaboration among a small group of women faculty from different universities. Using narrative inquiry, the team explored their lived experiences of working together in a collaborative research group and sought to share the story of their professional journey.

Three major themes emerged from the study:

  • Group processes were embedded in task involvement, helping the team stay focused and productive.
  • The group fostered a strong caring community, providing emotional support and professional encouragement.
  • Each member felt empowered by their peers, highlighting the role of mutual mentorship in personal and professional growth.

This work illustrates the value of long-term mentorship and collaboration among women faculty, providing insights for academic leaders and researchers interested in fostering supportive, productive research communities.