Race, Sense of Belonging, and the African American Student Experience at Predominantly White Institutions

<p>This research study utilized a critical race theoretical framework and methodology to explore the lived experiences of African American students at a predominantly White institution. The purpose of this study was to identify how race impacts the sense of belonging of African American students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). This study highlighted the racialized experiences of African American students at a predominantly White institution and how these experiences impacted their sense of belonging. Additionally, this study sought to understand the type of support African Americans students preferred and needed in order to develop a positive sense of belonging.</p> <p>Six African American undergraduate students from Citytown University (pseudonym) were selected to participate in this study using criterion sampling (Patton, 2002). Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through interpretative and descriptive coding (Bazeley, 2013). Primary findings suggest that 1. The select group of African American students interviewed feel isolated or alone at their PWI, 2. Racialized experiences can negatively impact African American students’ sense of belonging, and 3. Intentional and culturally relevant support from faculty, staff, and administrators engender a positive experience and sense of belonging for African American students.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

EdD

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Professional Doctorate in Educational Leadership (ProDEL)

Year dc:date.available

2019

Author dc:creator

• Kane, Anthony

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Darius Prier
• Dr. Gretchen Givens Generett
• Dr. Chris Meidl

• Race
• Sense of Belonging
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Critical Race Theory
• Microaggressions
• Student Support
• Identity
• African American Studies
• Education
• Educational Leadership
• Higher Education
• Social Work
• Sociology

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/1844

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-2864