Perceived Persistence Factors for African American Students at a Predominantly White Institution

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine what resources, persistence factors, and motivational factors influenced African American students matriculation at a PWI located in the Midwest. The participants in this study were six African American seniors or recent graduates of a mid-sized, four-year university in the rural Midwest. Motivation, persistence, and resources are each connected to one another and as students identified factors in each area it was evident that together they all influence the overall success, which is completing their undergraduate degree, in significant ways. The results of this study provided a personal look into areas which the institution and administrators need to address to continue to help African American students matriculate through the university and achieve academic success.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Dianne M Timm (Supervisor)