Date of Award

6-14-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Counseling, Adult and Rehabilitation Education (CARE)

First Advisor

Thomas Barrett

Abstract

This dissertation addressed the underrepresentation of African American women attaining doctoral degrees at universities across the nation. It also explored the McNair Scholars Program, and the role the program played in preparing African American female students for graduate school and completion of the doctoral degree. In line with the phenomenology research design, semi structured interviews were conducted with five participants to gain a better understanding of their lived experiences. The interview protocol for this study was approved by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Institutional Review Board. Thick descriptions of the participants' experiences were explored to gain insight on what motivated them to participate in the McNair Scholars Program as undergraduates, what they retained from those experiences, and how those experiences assisted them in completing their doctoral degree. Three Hypotheses informed what research questions should be used: ● H1-African- American McNair Scholars program alumnae were motivated to participate in the program by the desire to learn more about applying to graduate school and receiving the McNair Research Stipend. ● H2- African American McNair Scholars Program alumnae were heavily influenced by the support received during the McNair Scholars Program to pursue a doctoral degree. ● H3-African American McNair Scholars Program alumnae will report a lack of support and issues with racism, sexism and isolation as barriers to completing the doctoral degree. The findings were determined via the following research questions: ● RQ1. What motivated you to participate in the McNair Program as an undergraduate student? ● RQ2. What motivated you to pursue a doctorate degree? ● RQ3. What do you most remember about your experiences as a graduate student and why are they so memorable for you? ● RQ4. What are some of your recommendations for current and future African American McNair Program alumnae who are preparing for the doctoral journey?

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