A Phenomenological Study of Black Student Leaders in a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 37
  In Roundtable Session: Student Engagement and Involvement

Abstract

My paper considers the experiences of traditionally aged highly involved Black undergraduate students to identify the trajectory of student leadership and involvement through the course of four years. Black undergraduate students at PWI’s are matriculating through college at 34%, far below most other student populations. My paper questions what are the experiences of Black Undergraduate Student Leaders in a PWI? Despite the negative racial climate, Black students find their student organizations to be extremely supportive and impactful for the community and are valuable to Black students’ sense of belonging at the university. Students hope to gain support from university employees for their clubs and academic programs, but instead find it more difficult navigating racial tension on campus while excelling academically.

Author

• Donte Miller, Indiana University - Bloomington