Date of Award

12-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Alex Heckert

Second Advisor

Valerie Gunter

Third Advisor

Christian Vaccaro

Abstract

This study explores how four factors found in previous research to motivate student affairs employees impact the work engagement of student affairs employees performing diversity work in higher education. The purpose of this study is to understand those motivating factors, their relationship to work engagement, and the experiences of student affairs professionals who are providing programs and services for students of color.

The online survey instrument was administered to the membership of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), and eligible participants are ACPA members whose work provides programs and services to African American, Asian American, Latinx, multiracial and Native American students. This quantitative study used a 46-item survey, the Student Affairs Diversity Work Engagement Survey, to determine if the motivating factors found in the literature impact the work engagement of these employees.

The study results have the potential to influence the understanding of student affairs managers and researchers exploring the experiences of student affairs diversity workers in higher education. It also has the possibility of filling a significant gap in the literature around the experiences of student affairs diversity workers in higher education.

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