An Anti-Deficit Perspective on Black Male Student Athletes' Educational Experiences at a Historically Black College/University

• In Event: 49.077 - P–20 Perspectives on Students and Sport

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify key institutional characteristics and practices at a historically Black college/university (HBCU) that contributed to positive educational experiences for Black male student athletes. This mixed methods exploratory study involved the use of a 79-item Student Athlete’ College Experiences Questionnaire (SACEQ), three focus group interviews, and four individual interviews. Participants in this study included 57 Black male football and men’s basketball student athletes at a HBCU in the southeastern United States (U.S.) Institutional theory (Powell & DiMaggio, 1991) and the anti-deficit achievement framework (Harper, 2012) were incorporated to highlight effective institutional practices at a HBCU. Key findings highlighting the unique institutional environment at a HBCU and implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Author

• Joseph Nehemiah Cooper, University of Connecticut