Barbara Adewumi

Dr. Barbara Adewumi is a Senior Research Fellow in the University of Kent's Student Success (EDI) Central Team, part of the Centre for Study of Higher Education. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Kent and has taught in the Social Sciences for seven years before joining her current role in 2019. Her work focuses on racial equity in higher education, including closing attainment gaps for racially minoritized students, diversifying curricula, and fostering inclusive learning environments.

• Educations:
• Bachelor’s in Sociology and Third World Studies (Middlesex University)
• Master’s in Contemporary Caribbean Cultural History (Goldsmiths, University of London)
• PhD in Sociology (University of Kent, 2015)
• Research Leadership:
• Lead on the Diversity Mark Programme
• Co-investigator for TASO’s Diversity Mark evaluation project
• Co-editor of Race, Equity, Capital, and Social Justice in Higher Education (forthcoming, Palgrave Macmillan)

Her research integrates critical race theory and decolonial studies to address systemic inequities. Notable projects include a student-led Diversity Mark initiative that won a Talis Award and was expanded across divisions. She also co-chairs the BAME staff network and contributed to the DecoloniseUoK Collective book (2020).

Awards:

• Teaching Enhancement Small Support Award (2017/18, 2019/20)
• Talis Award (2020)