Recruiting, retaining, and supporting graduate students of color in PWI education and human services programs

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of alumni of color in two graduate programs at a predominantly white institution (PWI) in rural Virginia. Through an electronic survey, alumni from a communication sciences and disorders (CSD) program and an educational leadership program reflected on their perceptions of their program’s recruitment, retention, and mentorship efforts for graduate students of color. Results showed that while graduate students of color in the educational leadership graduate program indicated a high level of support, some changes may need to be made in the CSD program to address the unique needs of graduate students of color. Future directions and addressing overarching needs for graduate students of color are discussed.