Experiences of LGBTQ Students Attending a University in Rural, Bible Belt America

<p>The experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) students currently attending universities in rural, Bible Belt areas in the United States are unknown. Additionally, there is disconnect noted in the literature between the purpose of a postsecondary educational institution and what is actually experienced by LGBTQ students. While the college experience should promote personal and academic growth that allows students to reach their full potential, LGBTQ students have historically experienced ill-treatment on campuses which accounts for at least some disconnect noted in the literature. This qualitative phenomenological study offered a group of LGBTQ students the opportunity to tell their stories using their voices describing what it is like to be a LGBTQ student attending a university in rural, Bible Belt America. Findings from this study provide an understanding for universities to promote a healthy, affirming campus climate and combat any findings of disconnect between a quality experience and what is actually experienced by LGBTQ students. Findings will also allow institutions to address the needs of LGBTQ students that could indeed increase retention and recruitment of LGBTQ students. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2015

Author dc:creator

• Weber, Eric Joseph

• Bible Belt
• campus climate
• diversity
• LGBTQ students
• postsecondary education
• rural universities
• Gender and Sexuality
• Higher Education Administration

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Eric Joseph Weber

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/443

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1441