There's some good news in the academy regarding Black women: They occupy a number of high-profile executive posts in higher education. But whether Black women scholars want to follow in their footsteps or continue in a teaching or research capacity, the bad news is that many feel they are left to navigate the personal and professional politics of the academy on their own. Such an experience makes for a lonely and frustrating road to travel, and circumstances that could already be resulting in a dwindling pipeline of scholars of color. Take the case of Dr. Heather Tarleton. In 2006, she earned a doctorate in molecular biology from Princeton University at the age of 26. She was the only Black student in her program. The rigor of her doctoral program would ultimately pale in comparison to the difficulty she had charting a career path. Absent a mentor, she made career decisions without the guidance of a more senior scholar. Dr. Koritha Mitchell, an assistant professor of English at The Ohio State (OSU) University, was assigned two mentors when she joined OSU's faculty. In addition, she says she actively cultivates her own mentors, but even with mentors Mitchell found out first hand that life in the academy for Black women scholars is not without unique challenges. JoAnne A. Epps, one of a handful of Black women heading a U.S. law school, says life in the academy is indeed "a different journey." Epps says identifying a mentor is one of the first things junior faculty members should do. She recommends scholars first look at their home institution for a mentor, but says not to rule out seeking a mentor at another institution or someone in another academic discipline.