The Growing Knowledge Series (GKS) creates a pathway for those who have completed their dissertation, but never published, to share their scholarship with the profession through a hosted webinar. This collaborative effort of our three Communities of Practice is positioned to benefit practitioners and scholars alike, creating a space to share new knowledge frequently left on the shelf. Join Dr. Tyeesha “Tye” Wesley, Assistant Director of Recruitment, Training, and Inclusion in Housing and Residence Life at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as she presents her qualitative study on the intersectionality of race and religion as they impact how Student Affairs professionals are able to engage with traditional higher education practices.

Research Summary:

Dissertation Title: “Y’all Don’t Hear Me!”: A Phenomenological Study on Non-Religious Black Student Affairs Professionals

Brief Summary: Most research on Student Affairs practices is centered around student engagement and support; however, this qualitative study focuses on the Student Affairs professionals who support college students. Specifically, this dissertation focuses on the intersectionality of race and religion and how these Student Affairs professionals are able to engage with traditional higher education practices. The research study explored the lived experiences of Black Student Affairs professionals who are non-religious through the use of individual and focus group interviews. Through a theoretical lens of Sense of Belonging and Cycle of Socialization, the experiences of the participants functioned as the data used for the findings, recommendations, and conclusions.