Fellowship Enables Study of Career Growth Among Minorities

Professor William Zhou embarks on five-month fellowship to research strategies for helping minority entrepreneurs break into their fields

For William Zhou, second-year management professor at Sacred Heart University, being selected as a North Star Collective (NSC) fellow was a moment that was nothing short of surreal. 

The NSC is a group of New England colleges and universities working toward racial equity. Its members are committed to supporting and uplifting Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) faculty on their campuses. 

“Receiving the news that I received the fellowship was incredible,” Zhou said. “The feeling of gratitude and top-down support that came with the news was irreplaceable.” 

The semester-long North Star Collective Fellowship was created by and for BIPOC faculty from NSC-member institutions. Grounded in tenets of reparative justice, the fellowship provides mentorship and professional development for faculty in all fields. Fellows receive a stipend, participate in writing retreats, discussions and professional development workshops. 

Zhou teaches two classes at the University, at the graduate and undergraduate levels. His research passion lies in entrepreneurship, particularly in providing training to future generations of BIPOC entrepreneurs and helping them break into spaces from which they’ve been historically excluded. 

“In my experience, BIPOC inventors and entrepreneurs often have great ideas or great technology, but they sometimes fail to qualify for the same opportunities as others,” he said. “This fellowship will provide me with the necessary resources to research how we can break down barriers and train future generations.” 

Zhou was encouraged to apply by several faculty members and was incredibly grateful for the support he received throughout the application process. The fellowship began in January and runs until May. Zhou recently returned from his first workshop. 

“At my first workshop, many faculty members discussed instances of injustice from their school, but I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I am,” Zhou said. “I’m honored to work at an institution that not only has a diverse network of faculty and students but also is an institution that prioritizes supporting its community.” 

Maurice Nelson, the University’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, said Zhou’s hard work and dedication earned him the fellowship. “Dr. Zhou’s selection for this prestigious fellowship reflects his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, scholarship and innovation,” Nelson said. “We are incredibly proud of his achievement.” 

A fellowship special to SHU 

Zhou isn’t the first SHU faculty member to receive the NSC fellowship. Seung Whan Ryu, assistant professor of management, and Jonix Owino, assistant professor of psychology, completed the fellowships previously. 

The University’s Office for Inclusive Excellence works hard to provide meaningful experiences for students and employees alike, including pursuing avenues that result in this type of fellowship. Ryu is grateful for his experience and for the welcome he has felt at the University. 

“Before the NSC fellowship, I was aware of our University’s efforts, but the fellowship enabled me to experience those values firsthand,” Ryu said. “The fellowship provided a meaningful opportunity to see how the University actively invests in fostering an inclusive environment. The experience made me feel more valued, accepted and supported within our community.” 

Owino echoed Ryu’s enthusiasm and gratitude. “The NSC fellowship was a transformative experience, broadening my academic horizons and enriching my research with marginalized communities,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to the University for providing this opportunity and for fostering ongoing support that continues to enhance my professional development as faculty.” 

Nelson emphasized the work the University does for its faculty as well as the importance of the fellowship. “At Sacred Heart University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all faculty, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, can thrive,” he said. “The NSC fellowship is a vital initiative that not only provides professional development but also creates a space for mentorship, healing and community building for BIPOC faculty.”