Date Approved
2-3-2025
Embargo Period
3-24-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Monica Reid Kerrigan, EdD
Committee Member 1
James Coaxum III, PhD
Committee Member 2
Demond Hargrove, PhD
Disciplines
Education | Educational Leadership
Abstract
Duane W. Reid A QUALATATIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE MENTORING AND ADVISING INITIATIVE FOR FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIME AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN 2024-2025 Monica Reid Kerrigan, Ed.D. Doctor of Education This study examines the experiences of African American male students within the Operation Achievement initiative at Unique College, a community college in New Jersey with an enrollment of over 8,000 students across its four campuses, located in both urban and suburban settings. The educational challenges faced by African American male students have been widely researched, with many studies highlighting the risk factors that hinder their academic achievement. Variables such as race and gender continue to affect the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of these students. This qualitative program evaluation evaluated Operation Achievement, an initiative designed to improve not only retention and graduation rates but also the overall experience of African American male students at Unique College. Through a series of structured interviews with current students, alumni, and staff, this research provides a deep understanding of the success of Operation Achievement at Unique College. By giving voice to the students and staff involved in Operation Achievement, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding educational achievement and equity for African American males, while offering valuable insights into the practices that have the greatest impact on student retention and success.
Recommended Citation
Reid, Duane Westley, "A QUALITATIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE MENTORING AND ADVISING INITIATIVE FOR FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIME AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3328.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3328
