On the 400th anniversary of American enslavement the New York Times (NYT) 1619 project launched an interactive digital experience including a popular podcast centering the contributions and narratives of Black Americans. This study sought to understand how HBCU students responded to learning Black music history through what we term a "pop…

In the early twentieth century St. Louis' public schools for Black children enjoyed a robust reputation, perhaps second only to those in the nation's capital. Herman H. Dreer, a "public school man," provided direction for those institutions similarly called to lead various segments and forces within the larger Black community…

This study explores the pathways to K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics instruction among Black/African American males in the Discovery Research Education for African American Men in STEM to Teach (DREAMS to Teach) program at Morehouse College, a Historically Black College and University located in Southwest Atlanta, Georgia.…

Using a Critical Race Theory lens, we explored how African American professionals in both HBCUs and PWIs (4-year and 2-year institutions) experienced and coped with racial microaggressions. The participants in this study included fifteen African American instructors/professors and administrators. Despite the type of institution, the emerged themes…

Web 2.0 technologies are very familiar to students who represent the group called the "millennials" in this society due to their birthdates. They are noted for their technological savvy and their ability to use new information and communication technologies without reservation. With this in mind, teacher educators who utilize culturally…

The increase of underprepared students entering college decreases persistence and graduation rates at postsecondary institutions, ultimately declining degree attainment and social mobility of American citizens (U.S. Department of Education, 2016; McGuire, 2018). ACT, Inc. (2017) data suggests that overwhelming percentages of high school graduates…

Research investigating retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) attends to environmental and programmatic influences on student persistence. Examining these structures affords the creation of generalizable opportunities that promote sustained STEM engagement. In attending to the experiences of 5 Black women…

The most effective way to address the critical social and political issues confronting students today is to promote intercultural competence with empathy at the core of language instruction. Language has the ability to shape our thoughts and to alter our consciousness. As students view the world through the prism of cultural openness, they are…

In collegiate mathematics, college algebra continues to be a barrier to graduation for students (specifically non-science, mathematics, engineering, and science majors). Each year, nearly half of enrolled students struggle to "pass" this course with a grade of C or better (Herriott, 2006). Using innovative constructed lessons geared…

The United States is losing its position as an innovative global leader because of a shortage of skilled workers in STEM. This decline is due in part to the US producing a lower number of graduates from STEM related fields. One reason for the shortage is that US students are selecting or graduating with STEM majors at a lower rate than those of…

There are many theories that attempt to explain Black student behaviors, and outcomes in college. However, many of these theories that are held in high regard, oftentimes reflect cultural bias and rely heavily on quantitative analysis such as enrollment rates, grade point averages, and graduation rates. This study utilizes a qualitative…

Many academic support programs promote the academic success of first-year students, and research has shown the importance of effective academic advising to first-year student retention. Among the numerous approaches to academic advising, the strategy used by advisors at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) remains relatively…

The engagement of Black males is a constant concern at many institutions across this country. Black male students have specific wants and needs that may be unique from their peers. The factors, which influence a Black male student's decision to attend college, may differ from Black female students. Moreover, there are factors, which influence…

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between athletic directors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and how they differ in utilization of resources to foster positive academic outcomes within their athletic departments. The primary goal of this study is to make recommendations for Historically Black Colleges and…

Increasingly Black college students are identifying as atheist, however few empirical studies in higher education and student affairs are exploring the phenomenon. This dissertation examines the question, "How do Black atheist understand their identity in college?" Using Higginbotham's Politics of Respectability and tenants of Critical…