Author

Date of Award

7-13-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

John Kuykendall

Abstract

The history of higher education has emphasized access, but not always success for minority students. In particular, the outcomes for African American male students have been bleak over the past 150 years. Most research studies have focused on the reasons that African American males have consistently been the least successful group to complete college, however, over the past decade, more studies have focused on the successes of African American males and what we can learn from the ones who are retained and who graduate. This study examines the experiences of 11 African American male students at three community colleges that have a Minority Male Initiative (MMI) program. Data were collected through interviews and through observations of the MMI. The interview protocols were developed from conceptual framework that was based on variables from Chickering and Reisser’s Identity Development Theory and Critical Race Theory. The findings include emerging themes that could provide suggestions for future MMI programming and college support systems. It is theorized that these themes support the components of the identity and critical race theory and include additional dimensions that could be considered in further research and development of the theories.

Share

COinS