Fatherhood in student affairs professionals: Exploring identities and lived experiences

Abstract

This study begins to identify how 16 student affairs professionals (SA pros) at eight institutions in the Midwest, who are fathers, experience and make meaning of their identity as both an SA pro and a father. The study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and focus groups for data collection. Findings in this study posit that fatherhood for these SA pros is understood through the lenses of both their own personal views, but also the views of others they encounter and work with (family members, students, colleagues). Furthermore, the importance of relationships are a significant factor in how study participants made meaning of their identities as a father and SA pro. Recommendations for continuing to support the identity development and experiences of SA pros who are fathers are provided for institutions, supervisors, and student affairs fathers.