Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Mary F. Howard-Hamilton

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated African American men in the pursuit and attainment of college degrees. This qualitative study examined the post-incarceration educational journeys of eight men. Formerly incarcerated African American men were selected based on the limited amount of academic research that exists targeting this student demographic. A broad cross section of educational attainment was represented in this study with two participants possessing PhD’s; one doctoral candidate; two doctoral students; and three undergraduate students (one freshman, one sophomore, and one junior). At the time of the study their ages ranged from 36 to 61. Education is regarded as the great equalizer in the upward mobility of historically marginalized citizens within segments of our society. So, the aim of this study was to assess the personal convictions that drove participants toward the pursuit of education as a tool for both social elevation and recidivism reduction. The decrease in educational programming in public correctional systems as well as the removal of culturally empowering literature from prison libraries (Wallace, 2021) is another reason why educational attainment after incarceration is vitally important. The bottom line is that many formerly incarcerated men want a better life for themselves than the one that they had prior to being locked up. So, achieving this life often calls for more than just skills and a job, but an education and a career. This is not to frown upon those who find contentment by entering the job market and making an honest living. At the same time, it is not a slight to those who acquire skilled trades. These men saw an added advantage of having, or seeking, some form of college education as part of their personal journeys and long-term well-being. The emerging themes iv from this study were the self-concept, maternal influences, flawed educational systems, resilience, networking, and personal rebranding. The desire to achieve this education is not enough. Without a support system, a plan, and the ability to cultivate resources there is little hope of making the dream of education into a reality. But it can be done as the participants in this study have either proven or are in the process of proving.

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