Through this dissertation, I seek to examine the sports retirement of Division II Black male student-athletes and how they negotiate their identity as they transition into sports retirement. Consistent with similar research on Black male student-athletes, this dissertation makes the argument that the racialization of many college campuses…

Currently, African American male students' persistence rates in four-year colleges are tremendously low in comparison to students of different ethnicities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the predictability of selected athletic, demographic, and academic factors on the persistence of African American males attending a four-year…

This study investigated the lived experiences of Black male student-athletes (BMSAs) participating in football and basketball at a community college. Their psycho-social-emotional experiences and development were emphasized before, during, and after college. The study deployed Afropessimism to frame the experiences of BMSAs; as such, I assumed…

College football is a significant part of American culture and a revenue source for many schools. At first thought, college football is associated with large Division I programs within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with fanfare, traditions, and national following. However, most college football athletes do not play at the…

This study investigated the lived experiences of Black male student-athletes (BMSAs) participating in football and basketball at a community college. Their psycho-social-emotional experiences and development were emphasized before, during, and after college. The study deployed Afropessimism to frame the experiences of BMSAs; as such, I assumed…

Punitive discipline has been utilized in American schools for many years, but restorative justice practices are becoming more common. The researcher examined the literature surrounding punitive discipline and restorative justice practices. The design and purpose of this study was intended to help schools avoid the problems that punitive discipline…

The purpose of this study was to conduct exploratory qualitative research into the perceptions of engagement among Black male football student-athletes at a Midwest university. The researcher used a qualitative single case study method. This study consisted of two research questions: How do Black male football student-athletes make meaning of…

This dissertation examines the self-perceived career goal achievement capabilities of African-American former Division I basketball players through the lens of Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy (CDMSE) and its impact on their post-athletic career decisions. Through a phenomenological approach, this study aims to contribute a nuanced…

This narrative study explored the relationship of coaches and Black male student-athletes seeking to understand the stories of Black male student-athletes, their relationship with their coaches, and the role of the coaches in their academic, athletic, and social identity development. Using narrative techniques, the author worked with three…

The majority of Division I sports are composed of Black male players. These athletes can have the media spotlight and a lifestyle comparable to a celebrity, but what happens when their time with college athletics is done, the fans go way and the bright lights fade? The purpose of this narrative study was to understand the experiences of retired…

Research examining how these athletes, specifically football players, are racially mistreated in revenue sports in Power Five conferences, as well as the effect of this mistreatment on their health and well-being, has been sparse. Thus, the purpose of my study was to examine current Black male college football players' experiences of racial…

The problem that was addressed by this qualitative phenomenological study was that African American males who are student-athletes in high school are often not receiving adequate academic support from school counselors. This is an ongoing and relevant secondary education problem that needs to be addressed as many counselors are not adequately…

Community colleges have historically faced significant challenges in retaining students, particularly from underserved populations. While extracurricular activities like athletics have been shown to enhance student engagement and persistence, the specific impact of athletic participation on retention and sense of belonging among diverse student…

The Cross the Finish Line e-Learning tool is designed to be utilized by Kentucky State University coaches and athletic department staff who work with Black male student-athletes. The Cross the Finish Line e-Learning tool contains modules that provide information on academics, mental health, and cultural competence to the user. When its use is…

The authors focus on using Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a lens through which to analyze the holistic welfare development of Black male student-athletes, namely their identity development and overall college and career readiness. The authors contend that if structured and delivered well with the appropriate supports, athletics can be more of a…