A Narrative Study Of Black Men Who Persist In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics At A Historically Black College And University

Author

Ulanda Evette Simpson, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Discipline

Education Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning and hear the stories Black men ascribe to their freshman through junior years of college experiences as they persist in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in southeast Texas. The persistence rates in STEM disciplines among Black men collegians remain stagnant, and less has been written about those who persist in this discipline, particularly those who have been successful in degree attainment from an HBCU.

Semi-structured 1:1 interviews were conducted with five Black men classified as seniors to capture their experiences in completing their STEM degree pursuits. The foundation was built on a conceptual model of persistence theories. As such, this study posed the following primary research question, “What are the stories and college experiences of Black men persisting in STEM disciplines at an HBCU in southeast Texas?”

A qualitative approach was employed in this study with a narrative design. Findings from this study revealed several related college experiences that influence the men’s persistence during their freshman through junior years in college. The findings illuminated relevant themes concerning intrinsic factors such as individual drive and determination and extrinsic factors of collaboration, support systems, mentoring from department heads and faculty, peer study groups, peer mentoring, leadership development, networking, career preparation and exposure, internships, and alumni presence in the STEM workforce. Findings from this study adds to the literature for educational leaders in higher education to further shape internal university policies and practices to enhance the academic success of Black males in STEM disciplines.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Patricia Hoffman-Miller

Committee Member

Abul Pitre

Committee Member

Carl Gardiner

Committee Member

Pamela Barber-Freeman

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

© 2021 Prairie View A & M University

Date of Digitization

11/25/2024

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Simpson, U. E. (2022). A Narrative Study Of Black Men Who Persist In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics At A Historically Black College And University. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/69