Cutting the Deficit: An Examination of Factors Contributing to the Success of Black Males Seeking Doctoral Degrees at a Predominantly White Institution

This qualitative study examined the experiences of eight Black male higher education doctoral students attending a predominantly White institution in the South. Interviews were conducted asking the participants to reflect upon their educational experiences. The primary overarching research question guiding this study was: What factors contribute to the academic success of Black males seeking doctoral degrees in Higher Education at a predominately White institution? Sub-questions assisting in this research were: A) What experiences, educational and otherwise, promote academic success? B) What strategies and resources did Black males utilize in persisting and seeking doctoral degrees at a predominately White institution? Analysis of the findings revealed factors that contributed to the academic success of Black males seeking a doctoral degree in Higher Education at a predominantly White institution. They were grouped into three main categories: 1) the Impact of Early Experiences Related to Education; 2) the Impact of Experiences During Graduate School; and 3) the Final Perceptions of Participants. Findings regarding the impact of early experiences related to education were comprised of two primary components: 1) Support from Family and Teachers; and 2) a Focus on the Value of Attaining a College Degree. Key themes that emerged from the findings related to the participants’ experiences during graduate school could be further categorized into four areas: 1) Program Characteristics, which included Black faculty, a social justice aspect, mentor relationships, financial aid, and feeling valued; 2) Racial Identity; 3) Race Talk; and 4) Support from Others. Finally, the last main category was related to the final perceptions of participants and included summaries of participants’ responses labeled as: a) the most significant hurdle to overcome, and b) the most important factor in academic success.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

Education

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Manthei, Jr., Larry Paul

• Black male academic success
• higher education

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Identifier

etd-05252016-161418
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/183

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.lsu.edu:gradschool_dissertations-1182