Black UVA professor originally denied tenure by all white panel, then later granted it, set to leave for Penn State

Assistant professor Paul Harris walks in front of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.
Assistant professor Paul Harris walks in front of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.(Source: WVIR)
Updated: May. 12, 2021 at 6:46 PM EDT
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) -A Black University of Virginia professor, who was originally denied tenure by an all-white review committee, is leaving the university.

Paul Harris, who teaches in the School of Education at UVA, was eventually granted tenure after a lengthy battle.

Now he’s heading to Penn State University. In a statement to NBC29 News he said:

“I am grateful for the many great and life-long relationships forged over the last 10 years -- with colleagues and students at UVA and neighbors in the Charlottesville community. I am a better human being because of them. I look forward to continuing to serve through my research, teaching, and service at The Pennsylvania State University and in the State College community.”

According to an interview with Diverse, a magazine for and about underrepresented groups in higher education, Harris knew Penn State was the right choice after he visited.

He’s set to begin teaching there this fall.

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