The Experiences of Black Men Leading in Student Affairs at Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract

While access to higher education at Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) has increased for Black students, the experiences of Black administrators are troubled with racism in the workplace, specifically at PWIs. This study focused on the experiences of Black males holding leadership positions within student affairs at predominantly White institutions (PWI). It examined the influence of race, racism, and White supremacy with respect to their leadership roles. This study amplifies the voices, thoughts, and feelings of Black men who work within the landscape of student affairs at PWIs. Currently, there is little research on the experiences of Black male administrators, specifically at the senior-level in student affairs. As a result, this group is neglected in the research on this topic. This study is intended to highlight their experiences. Also, this study critically explored how racism impacts Black men as leaders and how the relationship between supervisors and subordinates intersects with racism in the workplace.

This study accesses the voices of Black men who historically have been overlooked in higher education research related to administrators' experiences. Presented in this study are counter-narratives about their leadership experience, addressing racism in the workplace, and leveraging leadership to address racism in their sphere of control. Counter-narratives provide a more in-depth understanding of the totality of the experiences of individuals of marginalized groups.

The stories of the participants are shared by five composite characters. These characters discussed their experiences serving in senior-level student affairs professional roles. The five characters discussed their experiences overall working in student affairs, their experiences with racism and how they have been able to use their roles as leaders to address issues of racism within their respective divisions and units. The results of this study reveal how Black men describe themselves as leaders, their feelings, challenges to their leadership environments, blatant racism, Black community expectations, and how they navigate diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, among other topics.