Date

8-6-2025

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)

Chair

Denise R. Nixon

Keywords

Moustakas, phenomenological research, transcendental phenomenology theory, HBCU, African American, first-year, rural communities, intersectionality

Disciplines

Educational Leadership | Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how the intersection of rural culture and race influences the lived experiences of first-year African American students at a private Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Moustakas's theory on phenomenological research methods, based on Husserl's transcendental phenomenology framework, guided the study. The research focused on how cultural context intersects with the lived experiences of first-year African American students from rural areas. It examined how this diversity affects their retention and engagement at a private HBCU. The central research question was: How do the lived experiences of first-year African American college students from rural areas impact their retention and engagement at a private HBCU? The study used Husserl's transcendental phenomenology as its conceptual framework. The research was conducted in Alabama, in the southern United States, at a private HBCU. The participant group consisted of 13 first-year African American students from rural counties, specifically from the Black Belt region in Alabama, forming a solid sample for phenomenological research, data collection, and analysis. Data was gathered through three methods: surveys, individual interviews, and two focus groups. Each method was carefully considered and applied during the qualitative analysis of the data. Four themes emerged from the research: orientation experience, academic quality, campus life and peer connection (Black Belt), and HBCU experience versus expectations.

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