Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Different Kind Of Black, But The Same Issues: Black Males And Counterstories At A Predominantly White Institution, Don C. Sawyer Iii, Phd, Robert T. Palmer

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Much has been written about Black men over the years and in different institutional contexts (e.g., community colleges, predominantly White institutions [PWIs], and historically Black colleges and universities). However, very little of this research has emphasized how the intersecting identities of Black men shape their experiences in higher education. To this end, this article draws from intersectionality and counternarratives, both of which has roots in critical race theory (CRT), to discuss how race, class, and gender informs the experiences of two Black males enrolled in a PWI. This article concludes with critical implications to help institutional leaders at PWIs be …

Examining The Prevalence Of Poor Help-Seeking Behavior Among Black Men At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Robert T. Palmer

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Scholars have emphasized the importance of being more intentional about investigating the experiences of Black men at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This article responds to that call by examining poor help-seeking behavior, which could be symptomatic of an unhealthy masculine identity, among Black men at HBCUs. This study was prompted by a single, institutional study, which found evidence of poor help-seeking behavior among Black men at an HBCU. Using data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), this article seeks to understand the prevalence of poor help-seeking behavior among Black males in HBCUs. This article concludes with …

The Impact Of Cultural Validation On The College Experiences Of Southeast Asian American Students., Dina C. Maramba, Phd, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

The purpose of this study is to explore the critical role of culture on the success of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) college students. Specifically, we examined the saliency of cultural validation and how it shaped the educational trajectories of SEAAs. A national sample of 34 participants was analyzed across 5 public, 4-year colleges and universities. Findings suggest the need for (a) cultural knowledge, (b) cultural familiarity, (c) cultural expression, and (d) cultural advocacy. In addition, the low number of SEAA students on their respective campuses heavily influenced their college experience. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Academic Achievement And The Community College: Perspectives Of Black Male Students On The Importance Of ‘Focus, J. Luke Wood, Phd, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Cultural Validation On The College Experiences Of Southeast Asian American Students., Dina C. Maramba, Phd, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

The purpose of this study is to explore the critical role of culture on the success of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) college students. Specifically, we examined the saliency of cultural validation and how it shaped the educational trajectories of SEAAs. A national sample of 34 participants was analyzed across 5 public, 4-year colleges and universities. Findings suggest the need for (a) cultural knowledge, (b) cultural familiarity, (c) cultural expression, and (d) cultural advocacy. In addition, the low number of SEAA students on their respective campuses heavily influenced their college experience. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Diverging Interests: Balancing Racial Diversity And Race-Sensitive Policies Across State Higher Education Systems, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, J. Luke Wood, Phd, Dorsey Spencer

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

The United States has sought to racially diversify its public colleges since 1964. Laws have been implemented and court challenges have occurred to facilitate the racial diversification of public universities. Racially diversifying higher education is particularly important for states that have a desegregation agreement with Office of Civil Rights (OCR) for operating policies traceable to de jure segregation. Although many states have used affirmative action to diversify their colleges, as these policies continue to be attacked and prohibited, colleges are abandoning race-sensitive policies to foster diversity. This article explains these diverging issues and offers recommendations for universities that are legally …

The Magnificent “Mile”: Impacting Black Male Retention And Persistence At An Hbcu, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Dina C. Maramba, Phd, T. Elon Dancy, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

A strong body of research has documented the supportive environments of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their impact on facilitating student success. Notwithstanding the consistency of these findings, recent reports and empirical research have highlighted the problems that HBCUs are experiencing with Black male enrollment, campus engagement, retention, success, and graduation. The purpose of this article is to discuss the Male Initiative on Leadership and Excellence (MILE) and to describe its impact on retention and persistence of Black men at an HBCU. Hopefully, the MILE will inspire administrators and student affairs practitioners at HBCUs to adopt a similar …

The Likelihood Of Transfer For Black Males In Community Colleges: Examining The Effects Of Engagement Using Multilevel, Multinomial Modeling, J. Luke Wood, Phd, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Research indicates that Black male collegians tend to disproportionately seek out postsecondary educational opportunities at community colleges; despite this, a paucity of Black men actual transfer to four-year colleges and universities. In order to help facilitate transfer for Black male community college students, this article investigates the effects of student engagement on Black male students’ self-reported likelihood of transfer. The implications of this study provides compelling context for institutional practice and future research to help community colleges be more intentional about improving transfer outcomes for among Black male students.

Understanding The Personal Goals Of Black Male Community College Students: Facilitating Academic And Psychosocial Development, J. Luke Wood, Phd, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Similar to 4-year institutions, community colleges are struggling to find ways to increase the success rates of racial and ethnic minority students in general and Black males specifically. According to data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS), compared to their male counterparts, Black males have the lowest retention and graduation rates among their peers. Given this, using national data from BPS, this article has investigated the personal goals of Black males in community colleges and provided context for how community college officials can use these goals to facilitate Black male academic and psychosocial development. Indeed, this article is …

Creating Conditions Of Mattering To Enhance Persistence For Black Males At An Historically Black University., Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Dina C. Maramba, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

strong body of research has documented the supportive environments of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and discussed their impact on facilitating student success. Notwithstanding the consistency of these findings, recent evidence indicates low graduation rates at HBCUs, especially among Black men. Using the voices of four student affairs practitioners and Schlossberg’s theory of marginality and mattering, data from this article suggest that HBCUs could be more proactive in creating conditions of mattering to enhance persistence for Black men. Implications for institutional practice and future research are discussed.

Black Men In College: Implications For Hbcus And Beyond, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, J. Luke Wood, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Black Men in College provides vital information about how to effectively support, retain, and graduate Black male undergraduates. This edited collection centers on the notion that Black male collegians are not a homogenous group; rather, they are representative of rarely acknowledged differences that exist among them. This valuable text suggests that understanding these differences is critical to making true in-roads in serving Black men. Chapter contributors describe the diverse challenges Black men in HBCUs face and discuss how to support and retain high-achieving men, gay men, academically unprepared men, low-income men, men in STEM, American immigrants, millennials, collegiate fathers, those …

"Diamond In The Rough:” The Impact Of A Remedial Program On College Access And Opportunity For Black Males At An Historically Black Institution, Robert T. Palmer, Ryan J. Davis

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Researchers, policymakers, and administrations have shown great concern over the efficacy of college remediation, which has prompted some states to eliminate remedial programs from public 4-year institutions. However, research suggests that eliminating these programs may have unintended consequences on college access and opportunity for underrepresented minority students, particularly African Americans. This study explores the impact of a remedial program on 11 African-American male students at a public 4-year historically Black institution. Findings illuminate the importance of college remediation in promoting college access and opportunity for underprepared Black male students, and how remedial programs increase academic and social integration for these …

Perceptions Of Family Support Among Students Of Color At A Predominantly White University, Dina C. Maramba, Robert T. Palmer

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

The challenge of facilitating the retention and persistence of students of color in higher education continues. While research has focused on internal factors of the college environment important to the success of students of color at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), this qualitative study examines an external factor—family support and its interconnectedness with the success and persistence of students of color. More specifically, the findings emphasize the importance of family support for this population attending PWIs. Implications for practice and future research are offered.

A Contemporary Examination Of Factors Promoting The Academic Success Of Minority Students At A Predominantly White University, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Dina C. Maramba, Phd, Sharon L. Holmes, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Although the numbers of minority students are increasing in higher education, researchers remain concerned about the ability of predominantly White institutions (PWIs) to support and retain these students. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore factors promoting the academic success of minority students at a research intensive PWI. Four themes emerged including the impact of a) student involvement, b) faculty interaction, c) peer support, and c) self-accountability. While this study confirms research about minority students at PWIs, it also provides new insight and provokes questions that warrant further investigation. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

The Impact Of Family Support For African American Males At An Historically Black University: Affirming The Revision Of Tinto’S Theory, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Ryan J. Davis, Dina C. Maramba, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

This qualitative study of 11 Black male students, who entered a public historically Black college and university (HBCU) as academically underprepared and persisted to graduation, provides insight into the ways in which family promote academic success for Black male students at a public HBCU. The study’s findings encourage practitioners at HBCUs to reassess the relationship between family involvement and academic success for Black male students. Further, the findings affirm the justification to revise Tinto’s theory of student departure to account for relationships minority students have with support networks outside the campus milieu.

Using A Tenet Of Critical Theory To Explain The African American Male Achievement Disparity, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Dina C. Maramba,Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Although African Americans continue to demonstrate a desire for education, African American male enrollment and completion rates in higher education are dismal when compared to other ethnic groups. Researchers and scholars have noted various theories and philosophies responsible for the academic disengagement of African American males in higher education. This article will provide a new contextual lens for understanding the academic disengagement of African American males using a tenet of Critical Theory as a method to explain the African American male achievement disparity. Additionally, this research offers employable strategies and activities that may encourage African American male achievement.

A Matter Of Diversity, Equity And Necessity: The Tension Between Maryland's Higher Education System And Its Historically Black Institutions Over The Ocr Agreement, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Ryan J. Davis, Marybeth Gasman, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Eighteen years after the Supreme Court rendered its decision in Fordice, many states have complied somewhat or not at all to its mandates. This has been particularly evident in Maryland, where the presidents of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are pressuring the state to fulfill its commitment with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), stemming from Fordice, to make HBCUs comparable to their White peers. While Maryland has declared that it has complied with its OCR agreement by preventing unnecessary program duplication between HBCUs and White institutions, investing more money into HBCUs, and increasing racial diversity on all of …

A Qualitative Investigation Of Factors Promoting The Retention And Persistence Of Students Of Color In Stem, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Dina C. Maramba, Phd, T. Elon Dancy, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

While the literature on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is abound with the importance of increasing college access, retention, and persistence among students because of its implications for America’s global competitiveness, particular emphasis has been placed on students of color. Notwithstanding, students of color remain underrepresented in STEM education. Therefore, increasing access, retention, and persistence for students of color in STEM is not merely a matter of United States’ economic competitiveness, but also a matter of equity. Using in-depth interview methods, this article delineates factors facilitating the retention and persistence of students of color in STEM education at a …

Racial And Ethnic Minority Students' Success In Stem Education, Samuel Museus, Phd, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Ryan J. Davis, Dina C. Maramba, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

An Analysis Of Desegregation Policy And Disparities In Faculty Salary And Workload At An Historically Black And Predominantly White Institutions In Maryland, Robert T. Palmer, Kimberly A. Griffin

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Although ambiguity exists regarding how states must respond to the mandates of Fordice to dismantle dual systems of education in previously segregated states, several scholars note Fordice should manifest itself in the enhancement of public Black colleges. Responding to Fordice, the state of Maryland entered into an agreement with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to make its Black colleges comparable with their White counterparts. While Maryland claims that it has satisfied its agreement with OCR, findings of this study challenge this assertion. Data from AAUP, University System of Maryland [USM], and the Morgan State Office of Institutional research show …

Theory Meets Practice: Hbcu Initiatives That Promote Academic Success Among African Americans In Stem, Robert T. Palmer, Ryan J. Davis, Tiffany Thompson

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

No abstract provided.

Another Strategy Toward Retention: Using Counseling Techniques To Help Black Faculty Succeed In The Academy, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Sharon L. Holmes,Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Retaining African American faculty at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) remains an issue of focus and concern. While researchers have investigated the institutional climate, mentorship, and social capital and their relationship with fostering a supportive campus environment for African American faculty, a dearth of research has used the counseling literature to discuss coping strategies that African American faculty can use to enhance their experiences and increase their success. The purpose of this essay is to focus on the relationship between cognitive interpretation and emotional and behavioral outcomes through rationale emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), the positive self-talk of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), …

Investigating Black Students’ Disinclination To Consider And Attend Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus)., Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Dina C. Maramba,Phd, John M. Lee, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Research on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) has documented the positive impact of these institutions on Black students. Such research has shown that Blacks experience positive academic and social outcomes and a disproportionate number of students who graduate from HBCUs attend graduate or professional schools. Notwithstanding, over the years, there has been an increase in the number of Blacks attending predominantly White institutions (PWIs) over HBCUs. While research has provided insight into the reasons Black students attend HBCUs and PWIs, limited empirical research has documented their rationale for not considering and attending HBCUs. To this end, this qualitative study …

Desegregation Policy And Disparities In Faculty Salary And Workload: Maryland’S Historically Black And Predominately White Institutions, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Kimberly A. Griffin, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Although ambiguity exists regarding how states must respond to the mandates of Fordice to dismantle dual systems of education in previously segregated states, several scholars note Fordice should manifest itself in the enhancement of public Black colleges. Responding to Fordice, the state of Maryland entered into an agreement with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to make its Black colleges comparable with their White counterparts. While Maryland claims that it has satisfied its agreement with OCR, findings of this study challenge this assertion. Data from AAUP, University System of Maryland [USM], and he Morgan State Office of Institutional research show …

The Impact Of Social Capital On Promoting The Success Of African American Faculty, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the impact of social capital on helping African Americans succeed in the academy. Social capital examines ways in which some individuals are privileged because of their membership in a social network. This chapter will largely be auto-ethnographic, drawing from my personal experiences, integrated with the appropriate bodies of literature. The goal of this chapter is to provide an effective strategy for promoting the success of African Americans in the academy

A Nation At Risk: Increasing College Participation And Persistence Among African American Males To Stimulate U. S. Global Competitiveness., Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Ryan J. Davis, James L. Moore, Phd, Adriel A. Hilton, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Today’s knowledge-based, global commerce requires continuous investment in human capital through post-secondary education for countries to be fiercely competitive. Countries, such as China and India, are experiencing growth in the number of people participating in post-secondary education, the United States has fallen behind. While America needs to focus on increasing college access and degree completion among underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), educators and policymakers assert that this is particularly important for African American males. Increasing matriculation and graduation rates for African Americans is not only a matter of equity, but in the context of …

The Perceived Elimination Of Affirmative Action And The Strengthening Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Robert T. Palmer, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Researchers have asserted that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have theoretically emerged from a social contract between emancipated Blacks and America. Although these institutions have facilitated access to higher education, they have been neglected and underfunded compared to their historically White counterparts. Notwithstanding their significance, fewer African Americans are accessing these institutions, prompted by governmental initiatives, such as financial aid, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and affirmative action. As affirmative action seems to face demise, a mass of Black students may rely on HBCUs to access higher education. As such, HBCUs should advocate for funding equity to better …

The Impact Of Postsecondary Remediation On African American Students: A Review Of Research., Ryan J. Davis, Robert T. Palmer

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

The role of remediation in higher education has generated much debate over the last two decades. While states have enacted policies that reduced or eliminated postsecondary remediation, many policy actors and analysts have not completely acknowledged the ways in which remediation affects college access and success for African American students. This review of research first explains why African American students are disproportionately underprepared for college-level work. Then, the authors summarize the debates concerning the role of remediation in higher education, synthesize the research on the effectiveness of postsecondary remediation, and discuss major and recent policy enactments. They draw implications for …

Popularizing Achievement: The Role Of An Hbcu In Supporting Academic Success For Underprepared Black Males, Robert T. Palmer, Phd, Ryan J. Davis, Dina C. Maramba, Phd

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Both predominantly White institutions (PWIs) and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are experiencing low academic persistence rates among Black males. While researchers have focused on factors facilitating the retention and persistence for Black males at PWIs, a paucity of contemporary research has focused on the academic and social experiences of Black males at HBCUs. We used in-depth interview methods to investigate the academic and social experiences of 11 Black males, who entered a public HBCU through its remedial or developmental studies program and persisted to graduation. Although several themes emerged from this study, special attention was placed on the …

Shaping Success Among Black Males In An Hbcu: A Study Of Barriers And Benefits, Robert T. Palmer, T. Elon Dancy

Robert T. Palmer, PhD

Attrition for Black men is a serious problem in higher education. While researchers have explored factors of retention for Black men attending predominantly White institutions (PWIs), less research explains factors underlying the success of Black men attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), particularly those men who are academically unprepared. Eleven Black men, who entered a public, urban HBCU through its pre-college program and persisted to graduation, indicated that their social networks play a vital role in facilitating retention and persistence. The results from this study are transferable to other HBCUs which seek to enhance retention among Black male collegians.