Black Doctoral Graduates from a Predominantly White University.

This report examined the role of race in the graduate school experiences of black doctoral graduates from a predominantly white institution and focused on their coping strategies. Data from surveys of and interviews with black graduates indicated that despite efforts to recruit black students, changing the mindset of those whites who were resistant to their presence on campus was an ongoing problem that black students had to cope with in various ways. Nearly one-third reported race-related difficulties, though they did not allow the difficulties to become major impediments to their educational pursuit. Some experienced unfair treatment, denial of opportunity, and underestimation of their abilities. Connectedness (e.g., to family, peers, faculty, and God) was an important coping skill. Respondents also coped by developing their skills as writers, researchers, educators, scientists, leaders, and clinicians. An important goal was to make a difference in the quality of their lives and in the lives of others. They realized the importance of their undertaking to black people past, present, and future and were willing to make sacrifices in order to succeed. Respondents believed in their abilities and achieved their academic goals by staying focused. (Contains 19 references.) (SM)