A dissertation research study was conducted to examine the conditions behind the continued lack of advancement for Black student affairs professionals within the California State University (CSU) System. This study sought to understand the perspective of the executive and management-level positions categorized as the Management Personnel Plan…

Navigating higher education can be a challenging experience for Black men. Among these, Black men often face unique mental health challenges stemming from systemic racism, cultural expectations, and societal pressures. Addressing their specific needs requires a comprehensive approach. However, supporting Black men's mental health in higher…

Most research on Student Affairs practices is centered around student engagement and support; however, this qualitative study focuses on the Student Affairs professionals who support college students. Specifically, this dissertation focuses on the intersectionality of race and religion and how these Student Affairs professionals are able to engage…

In this article, we discuss major themes on Black males' mental health that have emerged from this monograph. We will also discuss and emphasize how various institutional agents such as student affairs practitioners, faculty, and administrators can use this information to better support Black males in higher education. Finally, we will also…

Researchers have discussed the significance of Black male educators in secondary and post-secondary education for decades. While there is extensive research on the impact of Black male teachers, education administrators, and those in the professoriate, there is a noticeable gap concerning the experiences of Black male student affairs staff in…

Research that examines the lived experiences of Black senior level student affairs administrators at predominately white institutions remains limited (Wolf & Freeman, 2013). The underrepresentation of administration of color in higher education is one of the most important ethical dilemmas facing colleges and universities today (Wolf &…

Black women student affairs professionals are essential figures and play a vital role in the development and learning of students attending college (Jackson, 2003; Turrentine & Conley, 2001). While the presence of Black women students continues to rise on campus, Black women student affairs professionals continue to be disproportionately…

The identity of college students continues to shift, requiring the availability of staff dedicated to student development. Black women represent the largest population of minority student affairs administrators (West, 2019). Black women endure a unique within the United States of America, historically enduring violence and societal vitriol due to…

This study explores the mental and emotional well-being of Black women Student Affairs administrators by examining their experiences while working at historically White institutions. Their experiences were examined using critical narrative inquiry and Black Feminist Thought to understand the layers of race and gender on their well-being in an…

In this article, we investigate the nuanced challenges facing Black male faculty members in predominantly White institutions (PWIs) regarding their mental health. Through an exploration of the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of student affairs professionals, we uncover actionable strategies that can foster a supportive and inclusive…

In recent years, opportunities for student affairs educators to pursue professional development have increased. These opportunities include pursuing additional degrees or learning experiences sponsored by professional associations. However, these opportunities come with physical and financial costs that need to be collectively assessed and…

The existing research about racism in higher education has focused on faculty and students of color. Currently, there is a lack of research on how racism impacts staff at colleges and universities. This study sought to fill the gap in the literature by exploring the phenomenon of racism in student affairs at public or independent Historically…

The need for universities to effectively support students identifying as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Colour (BIPoC) remains a pressing element of strategies to close awarding gaps. Within overall support packages, the contribution of Learning Developers merits investigation, since these staff are often responsible for nurturing growth in…

Through an unsustainable moniker that often receives no reprieve, Black women student affairs professionals become the institutional fixer--the StrongBlackWoman who can do all. Through a raced and gendered expectation, they support the needs of their students, many of whom are students of color. This effort creates a precarious double bind that…

This study explored the explanations for why Black diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners in higher education between Fall 2020 and Fall 2022. Nine participants participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 60-90 minutes to explore a range of topics including their experience as Black DEI practitioners in higher education, their…