Graduation Term

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration

Committee Chair

S. Gavin Weiser

Committee Member

Mohamed Nur-Awaleh

Committee Member

Christa D. Platt

Committee Member

Ryan Smith

Abstract

This dissertation examines the lived experiences of Black women in non-diversity, non-faculty roles at historically White institutions (HWIs) who engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advocacy beyond their formal job responsibilities. Grounded in Black Feminist Thought and guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the study explores how race and gender shape invisible labor expectations, emotional and psychological burdens, and strategies for safety and meaning-making. Semi-structured interviews with 12 Black women staff members yielded seven interrelated themes, including invisible DEI labor, hypervisibility, emotional exhaustion, sisterhood as a form of resistance, respectability politics, self-constructed safety, and purpose rooted in legacy and spirituality. Findings reveal a paradox in which Black women’s advocacy is institutionally essential yet insufficiently recognized or protected. Implications are offered for higher education practice, policy, leadership, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of structural accountability and equitable support for Black women staff.

Access Type

Dissertation-Open Access

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