Uncovering Historically Black College and University Faculty Perceptions of Black Students' Experiences in STEM

Session Type: Structured Poster Session

Abstract

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) successfully graduate many Black students who go on to get advanced STEM degrees and enter STEM careers. Fifteen STEM faculty across different HBCUs were interviewed to examine their perceptions of students’ successes and barriers in STEM at a HBCU. Our data indicate that three major themes were constructed: (1) challenges for HBCU students in STEM (2) the role of faculty in students’ persistence in STEM, and (3) individual factors helping HBCU students’ persistence in STEM. The results of this study illustrate the role of HBCU faculty in students’ persistence in STEM and the findings can be used to better recruit and retain Black students specifically at HBCUs.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Research Focus on Black Education

Chair

• Danielle Dickens, Spelman College

Discussant

• Dante Jackson, Spelman College