University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Framing identity: A photographic autoethnography of Black male undergraduates at a predominately White institution

Rochon, Ayinde Calen

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129462

Description

Title
Framing identity: A photographic autoethnography of Black male undergraduates at a predominately White institution
Author(s)
Rochon, Ayinde Calen
Issue Date
2025-04-29
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Span, Christopher
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Span, Christopher
Committee Member(s)
  • Zamani-Gallaher, Eboni M
  • Ward Hood, Denice
  • Moton, Theopolies
Department of Study
Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp
Discipline
Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Higher education
  • Black student experience
  • sense of belonging
  • identity development
  • autoethnography
  • photovoice.
Abstract
This study explores how a sense of belonging shapes the academic and social experiences of Black male undergraduates at a predominately White institution. Through the utilization of photographic autoethnography—a fusion between the methods of photovoice and autoethnography—this study examines collegiate experience and its impact on the academic, social, and identity development of students. The William Cross Racial Identity Scale is used to analyze identity formation, while an oral history interview helps triangulate data, providing a richer understanding of participants experiences. Findings reveal that belonging is essential to academic persistence and personal growth, influenced by institutional structures, peer interactions, and faculty engagement. By integrating photography as both research method and storytelling tool, this work amplifies Black male student voices and advocates for more intentionally inclusive higher education practices.
Graduation Semester
2025-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129462
Copyright and License Information
Copyright © 2025 by Ayinde C. Rochon All rights reserved.

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