A Different World Using College Choice to Examine the Lived Experience of Black Cousins’ Doctoral Journeys Through an HBCU and PWI
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Authors
Mayo, Claude E. P.
Mayo-Mitchell, Ebonee R.
Issue Date
2026-04-17
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
College choice , Historically Black colleges
Alternative Title
Abstract
This research explores the lived experiences of two Black cousins navigating doctoral journeys at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a Predominantly White Institution (PWI), addressing a critical gap in literature regarding doctoral-level college choice for Black students. By introducing a new "Graduate/Doctoral College Choice Model," the study highlights personal and career dimensions often overlooked in traditional frameworks. Utilizing a qualitative narrative approach and the person-by-person method, the authors analyzed personal reflections and pivotal academic moments through open coding and reflexive journaling. The findings indicate that while the PWI offered superior physical resources and fellowships, it was characterized by social alienation and a lack of faculty connection, leading to the student's eventual withdrawal. Conversely, the HBCU provided a culturally affirming, "high-touch" environment where informal mentorship and peer support fostered resilience. These results imply that for Black doctoral success, institutions must prioritize "human" resources—such as inclusive communities and robust social support networks—over physical infrastructure. Ultimately, the study suggests that PWIs must actively address cultural isolation, while all institutions can benefit from adapting the supportive mentoring models found at HBCUs to improve student persistence and equity in higher education.
Description
UB Rise 2026
College of Engineering, Business, and Education School of Education