Understanding Cultural Competency and Proficiency in Higher Education Through the Perception of Higher Education Administrators

• In Event: 58.083 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 58.083-2 - Multicultural/Multiethnic Education: Perspectives on Family and Institutional Actors' Roles in the Education of Diverse Learners

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the challenges of diversity in higher education faced by senior level higher education administrators through the lens of cultural competence and proficiency. Lindsey, Nuri Robins, and Terrell (2003) defines cultural competence as a standard of behaviors used when interacting with cultural groups different from one’s own culture in a prescribed manner. Cultural proficiency is defined as an approach reflected in the values and behaviors of an individual or in the policies and practices of an organization that enable the person or organization to interact effectively in a culturally diverse environment (Lindsey et al., 2003).

Authors

• Walter Andre Brown, Jackson State University

• Stacy L. Merida, Middle Tennessee State University