Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Mary Howard-Hamilton

Second Advisor

Kandace Hinton

Third Advisor

Tajuan Wilson

Abstract

The purpose of the dissertation is to determine how and to what extent social media contributes to and supports the success of Black men as they obtain their terminal degrees. A qualitative study collected and analyzed data from the research question, “What are the experiences of Black men who used social media during their doctoral degree process?” Eleven participants from various U.S. regions were interviewed. This research is based on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Social Network Theory (SNT), which offer frameworks to understand how social media helps participants achieve their terminal degrees. Using a narrative inquiry approach, I highlight the everyday challenges participants faced, such as hostile environments, lack of support from faculty and staff, and reliance on digital mentorship for advice. The themes that emerged from the data were: why social media; support mechanisms; obstacles; lifting as we climb; and how I got over. The key findings revealed that Black men use social media to navigate the journey of obtaining a terminal degree. Participants were heavily involved with social media, seeking out communities to connect with and find resources to assist them on their journey. The study also revealed that Black men face adversity, not only at Historically White Institutions (HWIs), but also at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The dissertation also underscores the importance of mentorship, why social media groups are important spaces for Black men, and that social media spaces provided safe places for the participants to ask questions, vent, and learn how to navigate during difficult times.The study offers important implications for colleges and universities to support Black men who are working on their terminal degrees at both Historically White Institutions (HWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Important implications are also given for student affairs organizations to assist Black men through intentional engagement during conferences and throughout the year. Ultimately, this dissertation contributes to the gap in the literature on Black men using social media to support them along their doctoral journey.

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