Term of Award

Spring 2007

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Education Administration (Ed.D.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development

Committee Chair

Meta Harris

Committee Member 1

Ming Fang He

Committee Member 2

Erik Brooks

Abstract

The African-American male faces several challenges while working towards the attainment of success in many aspects of todays society. Regardless of social status, the Black males experiences in the legal system, educational environment, and in the work place can be described as stressful due to the presence or stereotypes, prejudice, and racism. This study explores the African American males experience as a senior administrator at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) from the perspectives of four Participants. This study is being conducted to identify what factors impact the resilience of African American male senior administrators at PWIs. In order to capture the experiences from the Participants' point of view, a qualitative methodology is used in the study. Semi-structured interviews are conducted which can be characterized as elite interviews due to the Participants' knowledge, positions, and experience in higher education. As a result of the Participants' demanding schedules, proximity to the researcher, and responsibilities to their respective Universities or organizations, the interviews were conducted via telephone. Findings of the study, while similar to some of the literature on African-American males, contributed to the research. Identified themes derived from the study that impact the resilience of African-American male senior administrators are the following: the importance of mentoring relationships, the value of a supportive family, a positive selfesteem, possession of integrity, the significance of a diversity friendly work environment, ownership of a passion for working in higher education, perseverance despite racism and stereotypes, and the preparedness for a heightened level of scrutiny as a result of being an African-American male.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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