Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2011
Description
This study addressed the academic, cultural, and social expectations and experiences of 20 African American juniors and seniors at two predominantly White universities in the Southern Appalachian region of the United States. The participants’ described experiences revealed how institutional practices promoted or obstructed their persistence to graduation. Findings indicated a dissonance between the students’ academic, cultural, and social expectations and experiences primarily caused by unanticipated racist experiences in the classrooms, on the campuses, and in the campus communities-at-large. Positive relationships with administrators, faculty members, and staff emerged as the most significant contributors to the students’ capability to safely and successfully navigate academic, social, and cultural pathways leading to graduation. Recommendations based on the results of the study are provided for university administrators, faculty, and staff who are committed to improving the college experience and persistence to graduation rates for students of color matriculating at predominantly White universities
Citation Information
Wright, Brenda W.; Good, Donald W.; and Lampley, Jim. 2011. Persistence in Learning: Expectations and Experiences of African American Students in Predominately White Universities. Journal of Learning in Higher Education. Vol.7(1). 81-87.
Copyright Statement
© 2011 JW Press. This document was published with permission by the publisher. It was originally published in Journal of Learning in Higher Education.