Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Morrison, K.C.

Committee Member

Emison, Gerald A.

Committee Member

French, P. Edward

Committee Member

Shaffer, Stephen D.

Date of Degree

5-6-2017

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Public Policy and Administration

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Abstract

For Black men attending college, there are often a host of barriers inhibiting their success. In addition to academic challenges, some Black men report higher feelings of alienation, isolation and cultural incongruence than their White peers. For many, these challenges are so tempestuous that they often leave the academy without earning a degree. In efforts to increase the academic and social success of students, universities have implemented Black male initiatives to decrease the early withdraw of men of color. The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of Black male initiatives on the academic success and likelihood of persistence of self-identified Black men attending fourteen schools within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This study analyzed the survey responses of 124 online survey participants. Questions were related to the demographic characteristics, Using various quantitative methods including multiple regression, the study found that the perceived likelihood of persistence is significantly correlated to BMI participation, perceptions of University Environment and Cultural Congruity. However, the results do not confirm a statistically significant relationship between any of the independent variables and academic success (as measured by GPA), as some studies have found. The findings suggest that future studies be conducted to better understand what factors help mediate the academic success of Black male initiative participants It is also recommended that a qualitative analysis be conducted to gain a more robust look into the experiences of Black men participating in affinity based organizations. Higher education administrators responsible for implementing BMI programs are advised to implement programs which emphasize not only social and cultural awareness but academic support.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/21002

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