A Qualitative Analysis: Black Male Students Perceptions of Retention Initiatives at a Rural Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: College Access and Rural Students

Abstract

This study show that the retention and graduation rate of Black male students at institutions of higher education is dismal when compared to other groups. Approximately, 30% of Black college males who enroll in a four-year institution earn a college degree compared to 57% of White male students (Bohrnstedt et al., 2015). Black men find it difficult to persist and complete a college degree, and reasons behind it should be explored. The purpose of this study is to explore student and administrator perceptions of retention strategies for Black male students attending a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).

Authors

• Jason Ottley, West Virginia University

• Antonio Latrell Ellis, Radford University

• Chaz Gipson, Howard University

• Nicholas Daniel Hartlep, Berea College

• Christopher J.P. Sewell, Praxis Labs