Exploring academic resilience: a phenomenological study of lived experiences during COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian

The Southwest Florida region experienced COVID-19 and a major hurricane between 2020 and 2022. The increase in major emergencies, which are often unpredictable, can be highly distressing for those affected. This phenomenological study describes the lived experiences of academics through these two significant traumatic events and explores the relationship between their experiences and their resilience. Using constant comparative thematic analysis, two themes were identified: creating community through an ethic of care and finding resilience through purpose. Implications and recommendations are provided for future work to help inform higher education leaders and policymakers of the effects of reoccurring trauma on academics and give leaders a better understanding of academic resilience and resilience development. Furthermore, by understanding academic resilience in the face of adversity, this study provides academic leaders with insight to create new strategies to support academics and foster resilience in higher education.