Factors Contributing to the Successful Attainment of Doctoral Degrees by Alaska Native Scholars

• In Event: 49.032 - Indigenous Issues in Education and Research

Abstract

This research project gives an understanding of contributing factors and variables of all Indigenous graduates, particularly Alaska Native PhD/EdD graduates, from their perspective. Another goal is to increase the number of Alaska Native PhD/EdD graduates. The results of my study will contribute to the understanding of the underrepresented population of Alaska Native PhD/EdD graduates. This study will likely inform future efforts to advocate and provide support for indigenous graduates and scholars in their pursuit of PhDs/EdD’s. Alaska Native success in attaining PhDs are rare and Alaska Natives are significantly underrepresented as a proportion of PhD graduates to general population (by ethnicity).

This information holds great value for addressing the low demographic population of Alaska Native PhD/EdD graduates. A stronger Alaska Native PhD graduate population has implications for leadership, education, business, and policy-making roles serving to increase Indigenous self-determination along with accountability through western institutions.

Some questions relevant to my research are as follows:
What factors or sets of factors do Alaska Native PhDs/EdD’s have in common which led to their success? What variables contribute to their successes? What challenges and barriers are unique to the Alaska Native demographics? If patterns of successful factors exist, can these factors be replicated to expand Alaska Native participation in PhD/EdD programs? Are there ‘lessons learned’ in terms of adding university PhD programs to attract and graduate Alaska Native doctoral students?

In recent times there are growing examples of educational self-determination, as Alaska’s indigenous people are taking ownership in language, culture, business, and education. Examining other indigenous and minority populations will also provide useful comparisons to understand values, benefits, and barriers of graduate PhD Alaska Natives.

Dr. Jessica Bissett Perea (Athabascan) of University of California Davis, created the original compilation of Alaska Native PhD holders. Some UAF PhD students and faculty have been adding to her original list for statistics and as a resource for my research described in my methodology section. The list now has 65-70 Alaska Native PhD/EdD graduates, not including 2014 graduates.

‘Success’ comes in many forms and doesn’t strictly have to be in the world of academia. For purposes of my specific research topic, when I refer to ‘success’, I am referring to students who attaining their research doctoral degree, although I well understand, that is not the only means of student success for Alaska Natives.

There are a number of factors that support persistence and success for Indigenous graduate students. The literature review, a survey of Alaska Native PhD/EdD’s, and several interviews contribute to my comprehensive dissertation research project. The compilation of research data and findings will be interesting and important contribution to indigenous research in postsecondary education.

Author

• Alberta J Jones, University of Alaska Southeast