Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Kenneth Rockensies

Committee Member

Susan Torbenson

Keywords

HBCUs, college environment, staff attrition, college housing, resident advisors

Abstract

This mixed-methods research study was designed to explore and highlight the lived experiences of residence life professionals at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Data collection was completed using an online survey and one-on-one interviews. This study will contribute to the discussion of retaining live-in residence life professionals at HBCUs. This research study provided suggestions and opportunities for administrators to enhance the experience of residence life professionals while keeping the mission of educating HBCU students.

It is hoped that this study will continually prompt and influence dialogue to address the consistent attrition amongst residence life professionals, especially at HBCUs. The HBCU community is attractive to both students and professionals, but is also a common contributor to the decision to leave the position at HBCUs. This research will provide a platform to address the gap in literature on residence life professionals at HBCUs.

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