A study of recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for African American students at four-year predominately White higher education institutions in Georgia

Historically predominately White colleges and universities (PWIs) have graduated substantially fewer Black students than White students. As a result of the high attrition rates for Black students, many PWIs have created and subsequently implemented special recruitment and retention programs. This qualitative research study employed a case study approach. An interview scale designed to solicit information about procedures, policies, practices, and student services was used to gather data from administrators involved in recruitment and retention at the five identified institutions. Additionally, printed materials that described services provided by the PWIs were obtained from the participants. The data obtained from the interviews and printed materials provided by the PWIs were analyzed to identify categories and themes of activities employed by each of the PWIs to recruit, retain, and support students. All of the PWIs reported providing an array of student support services designed to improve Black students' retention rates. Each of the five PWIs have a commitment to graduating all students including Black students. The commitment to graduate students was evident in the mission statements that the interviewees believed were supported throughout the PWIs. From the data obtained in this study it can be concluded that tutoring and mentoring were important services provided to academically and socially integrate Black students into the institution. Recommendations for practice and future research were provided. The results of this study have provided administrators of PWIs with tools that appropriately address the needs of Black students.