ERIC Number: ED554411
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 154
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3031-9873-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Understanding the Role of Athletics and Resiliency in the Persistence and Success of African American Males in a Community College Setting
James, Melinda Lloyd
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northern Illinois University
This dissertation examined the part athletics and resiliency played in degree completion of African American males. Specifically, it investigated three at-risk African American males and the dynamics of athletic participation and resiliency in their degree completion. In view of the fact that many African American students begin their higher education career at community colleges, the function of the community college and its unique position in higher education was explored. This study used in-depth semistructured interviews to answer the following questions: 1. What are the perceptions of African American, male, community college student-athletes in regards to their experiences in the community college setting? 2. How has resiliency played a role in their persistence and academic success in the community college? 3. How do athletics contribute to resiliency and persistence for the African American, male, community college student-athlete? This investigation found athletics does play a role in African American males' choice to remain in college and complete a degree. This study also found that the impact of relationships with important relationships with others, including coaches, contributed to student-athletes to persisting to degree completion. Additionally, the need for higher education to create more opportunities for African American males to connect to other students and personnel in the higher education environment was established. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Two Year College Students, College Athletics, African American Students, At Risk Students, Student Participation, Resilience (Psychology), Academic Persistence, Community Colleges, Semi Structured Interviews, Student Attitudes, Athletes, Student Experience, Success, Males, Interpersonal Relationship
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Two Year Colleges; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A