Drawing from concepts located in sociology, critical organizational studies, critical feminist and critical race feminist theories, and philosophy, Gonzales will address the production, evaluation, and valuation of knowledge within academia. Specifically, Gonzales will reflect on interviews conducted with almost 100 professors over the last eight years and describe how scholars whose scholarship might be viewed as “non-conventional” strive to position their work as acceptable, or legitimate, in the context of their disciplines and departments, and how in turn, disciplinary and departmental colleagues (e.g., mentors, faculty, peers) receive that work. After presenting these insights, Gonzales will highlight strategies for “readying” individuals and organizations to be more supportive of scholarship that diverges from traditional norms and conventions, and the implications of failing to do so.