The principal purpose of this doctoral study was to investigate how intersectionality is understood and utilized by practitioners within the field of student affairs in North American higher education. Additionally, the study explored how intersectionality is applied to student affairs practitioners' student development and identity development work with students. Furthermore, the study examined the use of Goodman's Tapestry Model of Intersectionality and how it may be incorporated into the work of student affairs practitioners. The study utilized a phenomenological, qualitative research design in order to provide rich, descriptive data to better understand how intersectionality is or is not being utilized. This doctoral study includes four chapters and is presented in a qualitative dissertation format. Chapter one consists of an introduction to the problem and includes the purpose and significance of the study including the study's conceptual framework. Chapter two provides a review of the literature including the historical context of student affairs in North American higher education, student development theory and identity development, feminism and the emergence of intersectionality, and literature that examines the application of intersectionality in higher education. Chapter three reports the findings of the study and implications for future practice. Chapter four applies the study's findings to higher education practice by providing professional development training on the topic of intersectionality for those working in a college or university environment. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]