College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Term of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
College of Education
Committee Chair
Carl Sorgen
Committee Member 1
Elise Cain
Committee Member 2
Edward Muhammad
Abstract
This dissertation explores the recruitment practices of admissions counselors at colleges and universities in the state of Georgia, with a focused lens on their efforts to engage and enroll Black students from rural high schools. The study investigates how geographic isolation, racial identity, and systemic inequalities converge to shape the college access landscape for underrepresented students in rural communities. Using a qualitative approach grounded in Culturally Responsive Leadership as the theoretical framework, this research examines the strategies, barriers, and institutional priorities that influence outreach efforts and recruitment outcomes. By analyzing admissions counselor perspectives and institutional approaches, the study found that effective recruitment of Black students in rural areas relies heavily on individualized engagement, cultural understanding, and community-based strategies; however, these efforts are often undermined by structural barriers such as limited staffing, travel constraints, and a lack of institutional alignment, resulting in uneven access and missed opportunities for sustained outreach. The findings are intended to inform higher education policy, institutional decision-making, and ongoing scholarly dialogue around equity in college admissions. Situated within the broader discourse on educational access, this research highlights the critical need for more inclusive and context-responsive recruitment strategies. Ultimately, this study seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of Black students and contribute to the development of more equitable pathways to postsecondary education, particularly within the unique sociocultural context of rural Georgia.
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Jayde B., "Recruitment Strategies for Rural Black Students at Georgia Colleges and Universities: From an Admissions Counselor Perspective" (2026). College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations. 3098.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/3098
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
