THE ROLE OF FACULTY IN THE RETENTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN GIFTED STUDENTS IN STEM PROGRAMS IN HBCUS

摘要

This presentation highlights findings from a currently funded three-year research project with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Research for this investigation attempts to underscore the critical factors found to contribute to the success of gifted African American students enrolled in Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs). The research for this project is contextualized within the broader spectrum of US higher education, in which reports of exponential student enrollment among majority (i.e. White) student populations has been documented while enrollment trends among populations of color-particularly African American college-age students remains relatively low. These enrollment disparities are especially apparent in specialized areas of study such as science and engineering; thus, it is important to identify key factors and strategies that can counter these apparent deficits. One such area of focus that has shown promise in this area is the role of faculty in the retention of students. This presentation will explicate the data and attempt to untangle some of the critical aspects regarding how faculty can help or restrain the academic success of African American students in science and engineering programs in the particular context of HBCUs.