Critical Validation: Black Women's Retention at Predominantly White Institutions. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Bridget Turner; Raines, Alyscia; Brown, Rachel; French, Andrew; Stone, Joakina
• Is Part Of: Journal of college student retention. Volume 23:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 434
• Page End: 456
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Black women -- retention at predominantly White institutions -- validation theory; College dropouts -- Periodicals; College dropouts -- Prevention -- Periodicals; College attendance -- Periodicals; 378.16913
• DOI: 10.1177/1521025119841030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-0251

Abstract

Retention of Black students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) is often studied. However, very few researchers examine what helped retain Black women undergraduate students from PWIs with multiple intersecting identities. Through a qualitative research design that honors the stories of 16 Black women who graduated from PWIs, we explore what helped to retain them at the PWI. Using Rendón's validation theory as a framework, we sought to understand how validating agents assisted in the retention of Black women undergraduate students. We provide implications for practice and practical suggestions on how PWIs can be more thoughtful about retention of this population.