Congratulations to Carl Jones who on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, successfully defended his dissertation proposal.
The title of Carl's dissertation is, "A SEAT AT THE TABLE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE LIVED EXPERIENCES, PERSISTENCE, AND ADVANCEMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE SENIOR LEADERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION."
The abstract of this study follows:
Overview of Problem: African American men remain underrepresented in senior-level leadership positions in higher education. Those who attain senior leadership may continue to experience institutional barriers shaped by race, gender, organizational culture, and access to professional opportunities. Although research has examined Black professionals in higher education, fewer studies have centered the lived experiences, persistence, and advancement of African American male senior leaders.
Research Purpose: The purpose of this critical interpretive inquiry is to understand the lived experiences of African American males in senior-level leadership positions at four-year colleges and universities. This study further seeks to amplify the voices of Black male leaders' advancement to their senior-level leadership positions in higher education, with a focus on their assets and successes. Drawing upon Critical Race Theory (CRT), this study will uncover the counter-narrative of African American males in higher education, voices often marginalized in traditional scholarship.
Research Design: Interpretive inquiry guided by Critical Race Theory (CRT). CRT will provide a framework for examining how race, gender, institutional context, marginalization, and resistance shape participants' leadership experiences.
Sample: Participants will include (approximately 15) African American men who currently serve in a senior-level administrative leadership position at a four-year college or university in the United States and have at least two years of experience in their current senior-level position.
Data Collection: Data will be collected through individual semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom.
Dissertation Committee Chair:
Dr. Susan V. Iverson
Dissertation Committee Members:
Dr. Shelley Wepner
Dr. Cindy Porter
Take Your Career to the Next Level
Elevate your leadership skills, deepen your understanding of critical and contemporary education issues, and learn to help solve the current challenges in P-20 education.
Learn to Inspire Change
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville, offered in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, utilizes a forward-thinking approach to educational leadership that is ideal for practicing and aspiring leaders in any educational context. It is designed to support the goals of educational professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills for career advancement or current job enhancement.
