Date of Graduation
Spring 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education Policy, Planning, and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Orkideh Mohajeri, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Tiffany Jones, Ed.D.
Committee Member
Paris McPherson, Ed.D.
Abstract
Matriculating into Predominately White Institutions (PWIs) can be challenging for Black students due to racism. However, Black faculty and staff play an important role in combating these challenges and creating supportive and joyful spaces for these students. Using Narrative Inquiry, this study examined the role that Black faculty and staff played in fostering Black Joy for Black students at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). Participants were self-identified Black students, faculty, and staff who are 18 years or older and were affiliated with a mid-size four-year PWI in the northeastern region of the United States. The study utilized two data collecting instruments which included a Qualtrics form for eligibility, demographics, and consent and semi-structured questions for a recorded Zoom interview. The data was analyzed through inductive and deductive coding, thematic analysis, and triangulation. Further analyzation took place through the lens of Tara Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth Theory. The findings suggested that Black students' joy and persistence at PWIs was heavily influenced by the support of Black faculty and staff, the presence of a strong and vibrant Black community, and the existence of culturally affirming institutional spaces. Further findings also highlighted the barriers to Black Joy at PWIs which included limited representation within the campus demographics, negative experiences within the classroom, and negative experiences with institutional departments, public safety, campus community members, and unwanted campus visitors. Implications for the future entail recommendations for reducing barriers to Black Joy at PWIs and suggestions for further research.
Final Version Confirmation
1
Recommended Citation
Hart, Chyna, "Where Joy Lives: Black Students, Faculty, and Staff at PWIs" (2026). West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects. 56.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_capstones/56