Black Students Defining Their Own Truth in Higher Education

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Thirteen
  In Roundtable Session: Racialization and Student Experiences (Table 5)

Abstract

This paper highlights the work of two studies focused on the academic success of Black students in higher education. These qualitative studies utilized both a phenomenological and narrative approach to explore the factors that successful Black students perceive as contributors to their success. Additionally, these studies enabled the student voice, which defined their own truth. Both studies were guided by asset-based research questions focused on the students’ journey, their perception of the factors contributing to their success, and their lived experiences. Results from the studies showed that those factors include early influences, peers, university spaces, mentors, and the students’ inherent qualities to include self-efficacy, sense of purpose and racial cohesion. Implications for both research and practice in higher education were discussed.

Authors

• Mary Taylor, San Diego State University
  Presenting Author

• Rachael Stewart, San Diego State University
  Presenting Author