Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods

Advisor/Mentor

Hevel, Michael S.

Committee Member

Bassett, Becca S.

Second Committee Member

Shelton, Leslie J.

Keywords

Black professionals in Higher Education; Predominantly white institutions; Senior housing office roles; Southern Culture

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of Black Senior Housing Officers (SHOs) at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in the Southern United States. This narrative inquiry study interviewed nine Black SHOs who worked at Southern PWIs. The findings of this study are that participants emphasized that racism remains a significant and present concern at their institutions as informed by Critical Race Theory (CRT). One participant stressed the importance of Black professionals fully understanding the historical context of the South when working in higher education, noting that this knowledge was critical for survival and success. Many participants also described how effective mentorship helped them navigate institutional challenges, resist burnout, and maintain their sense of purpose as Black housing professionals in predominantly white environments. Additionally, participants expressed their passion for fostering community and enhancing the residential experience in campus environments, which propelled them through various professional levels, including hall director, assistant director, and associate director, ultimately culminating in roles as executive directors of housing. Participants felt a sense of accomplishment, and their work matters as a key reason many of them remain in the field. This study also reveals that Black SHOs likewise turn to professional associations to find solidarity at the senior level to combat the feeling of onlyness. The results from this study magnify the importance of SEAHO and other regional housing institutions offering affinity groups and belonging initiatives to continue providing spaces for Black SHOs to be their true, authentic selves. SEAHO operates outside of state politics, which positions it to fill the gap where state institutions cannot do so due to anti-DEI legislation. A forthcoming research study emerging from this study will investigate the experiences of Black SHOs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

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