Hanging on to our hope: African American middle level managers’ retention in student affairs

Abstract

This qualitative dissertation study addressed why African American middle-level managers remain in their positions in higher education or student affairs. This study highlighted issues relevant to middle-level managers from a synergistic approach regarding issues of racism and gender that are prevalent at their institutions of higher education. Collecting data from 12 participants who were working in higher education during the study, findings identify three themes on salient issues that explain reasons why African American middle-level managers remain in higher education, namely supervision, purpose, as well as compensation and burnout. Recommendations for African American middle level managers, their supervisors, and graduate preparation programs are shared.