A Quantitative Investigation of Athletics Roster Management Impact on Enrollment and Retention at NAIA Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Previous research has investigated the use of athletics roster management at small predominantly White institutions (PWIs), but no research has evaluated the impact on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This quantitative ex post facto research explored athletics roster management's impact on enrollment and retention using existing data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Return on Athletics (ROA) database. This study adds to the body of knowledge on athletics roster management contributing to enrollment and retention at NAIA HBCUs. NAIA HBCUs are considered small colleges and frequently operate as enrollment-dependent institutions. Previous research has focused on PWIs in the Midwest. The sample consisted of 21 NAIA HBCUs that consented to participate in the research. The findings showed a significant difference in NAIA HBCUs that use athletic roster management having higher enrollment than those that do not. Additionally, the findings conclude that there is no significant difference between the retention of NAIA HBCUs' use of athletics roster management and institution that do not. The correlation analysis indicates almost zero relationship between using athletics roster management and higher enrollment at NAIA HBCUs. Furthermore, the correlation analysis also indicates that athletics roster management is inversely related to retention at institutions using the practice. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]