The purpose of this research dissertation was to investigate and explore consciousness in millennial African American men. This study defined consciousness in the form of self-concept or self-conceptualization, the image we have of ourselves (Akbar, 1991; McLeod 2008). The research question under investigation is, How do African American college…

This study examines college men's resistance of traditional masculinity and support for diverse configurations of gender using the life story narratives of 14 male-identifying college students at 10 colleges across the United States. The research on masculinities in higher education primarily focuses on hegemonic masculinities (Connell, 2005;…

Collegiate men are overrepresented in student conduct systems across the higher education landscape as they are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors when compared with their female counterparts (Laker & Davis, 2011). There is a strong correlation between these high-risk behaviors and the ideology of toxic masculinity (Wagner, 2015).…

Despite significant cultural attention on the phenomenon of school shootings, one of the most predictive dimensions of these tragedies is under-analyzed: gender. Men commit 98% of mass shootings, but robust discussion and research on this relationship is lacking. This dissertation investigates the relationship between masculinity and gun violence…

Men are overrepresented at the highest levels of leadership in nearly every industry, despite studies that report that men are seen as having less effective leadership abilities than women (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017a; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017b; Catalyst, 2018a; Catalyst, 2019a; Catalyst, 2019b; Taylor et al., 2008; U.S. Department…

Native men in higher education experience among the lowest persistence and graduation rates in the United States (Condition of Education, 2020). Native men are subjected to systemic barriers brought by settler colonialism such as racism and patriarchal hegemony which negatively impact their perceptions of masculinity and forces them to move away…

Queer students have been notably absent in qualitative studies involving historically White fraternities (HWFs). To address this gap and work toward a more inclusive representation of diverse identities within HWFs, it is essential to understand the challenges and opportunities that impact the experiences of current Queer members within these…

Little research is in place to qualitatively understand the underlying mechanisms of the academic gender achievement gap in rural high schools. This study explores the meaning men attribute to the gender achievement gap in a rural, predominantly white, low-income high school. in the Northeastern United States. Drawing upon a hegemonic masculinity…

Sexual assault against women is a pervasive problem on college campuses in the United States (Canan, Jozkowski, & Crawford, 2018). Interventions to prevent sexual violence have been developed to target men. However, they generally lack a specific guiding theory and show mixed results (Caver, 2013). Factors such as adherence to traditional…

In my previous role as the Assistant Director for Campus Programs at the University of Vermont, (UVM) I noticed fewer and fewer college men pursing leadership opportunities during their time in college. Student affairs practitioners and scholars recognize the benefits and enhanced outcomes students gain by participating in meaningful activities in…

The research aims to discover marginalization within Black Greek Letter Fraternities (BGLFs) through the lens of duly initiated members who identify as same-gender-loving. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of masculinity among duly initiated BGLF members who are same-gender-loving (SGL). This qualitative study utilizes a…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the participation of cisgender collegiate men in community engagement activities. As a group, collegiate men disproportionately engage in unhealthy behaviors compared to their female counterparts. Additionally, they are less likely to participate in community engagement activities. Community engagement…

Sexual violence on college campuses is a significant concern, with research indicating that approximately one-third of female students and one-tenth of male students may experience it during their college years. The risk is higher for college women nationwide, and the impact on physical and mental health is substantial. Studies often highlight…

This study examined how conforming to traditional, Black, and athlete-based masculine norms impacts self-stigma of help-seeking. Social support was examined as a buffer between self-stigma and willingness to seek help. Participants were from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III men's sports teams. Hypotheses were (1) after accounting for control…

The present study examined the intersection of sexual orientation identity, spirituality, and gender in queer male university students. Many higher education institutions offer a supportive, secure environment for queer persons to explore and grow into their understanding of self, resolving any potential conflicts arising from their intersecting…