Finished and Done: A Collaborative Autoethnography of Four Black PhD Students at a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: Paths to Persistence and Empowerment: Mentorship, Belonging, and Institutional Barriers for Scholars and Leaders of Color

Abstract

This paper highlights the significant advantages of utilizing a Ph.D. cohort model to increase the persistence and completion rates of Black PhD students by drawing from the experiences of four students who recently completed PhDs in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at a PWI. We focus on navigating academia as Black students, considering the complexity of our identities. Through this exploration, we aim to solidify our presence in academia as the upcoming generation of scholars.
We employ the theoretical concept of a sense of belonging and utilize the methodological approach of collaborative autoethnography. The theory and methodological selection allow us to delve into our experiences, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs we encountered on our academic journeys.

Authors

• Anglesia Brown, Wayne State University

• Michelle D. Taylor, Wayne State University

• Anthony L. Webster, Wayne State University

• Treyvon L. Harlin, Wayne State University