Date of Award
1-1-2013
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Leadership and Policies
Sub-Department
Educational Administration
First Advisor
Katherine Chaddock
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the academic experiences of highly successful African-American male graduates of small, private liberal arts colleges using a qualitative approach. Fourteen highly successful alumni from selective, private colleges were purposefully selected for the study, including seven African-American males and seven white males. In semi-structured interviews, participants retrospectively described positive experiences they associated with their academic success in college. The study observed the importance of the small college in creating a deep sense of connection across the campus, empowering students to take risks that helped them succeed academically. This research also explored the idea that African-American participants used an "instrumentalist" approach to their undergraduate education. Though the study identified significant common ground between the two participant groups, several key differences emerged. African-American students stressed the importance of religious faith, open-mindedness, and campus organizations in helping them succeed academically. White students described the importance of making "mechanical" academic adjustments, such as improving study habits and developing organizational skills. The study also identified ground for future research around academic success in the small private college environment.
Rights
© 2013, Ryan Andrew Johnson
Recommended Citation
Johnson, R. A.(2013). Lessons In Success: A Multi-Campus Study of Factors Influencing Academic Accomplishment Among High-Achieving African American Students at Private Liberal Arts Colleges. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/2489