Understanding Mentoring Relationships: The Black Male Graduate Student Perspective

Abstract

Black males face many obstacles in higher education. They are disproportionately represented among students who are forced to withdraw, underperform academically, and report negative experiences. Despite the negative experiences Black males may encounter, many still have a strong interest in education, and mentoring plays a role in that interest. The purpose of this study was to explore the mentoring relationships and influence on the Black male graduate students experience. A qualitative study was conducted with Black males who received their master's degrees from a regional Midwestern institution. Research revealed that mentoring played a major role in Black male's graduate experience as well as the decision to attend graduate school. Participants discussed the value of have a mentor(s) and attributed their success to interactions with a mentor.

Date of Award	2016
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Dianne M Timm (Supervisor)