AAHHE-ETS Outstanding Dissertation Competition Webinar
"I Wish They Knew We Existed": The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families
Thursday, April 11, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Register Today!
Dissertation Description
This study aims to explore the academic experiences of Latinx college students in mixed-status families to find ways institutions can better support them on their higher education pathways. Thirty-one qualitative interviews oriented by Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action were utilized to center the voices of sixteen Latinx/a/o college students in mixed-status families. Findings suggest that students in mixed-status families experience multigenerational punishment when it comes to their academics.
Amy Nuñez, PhD
Assistant Professor
Teacher Preparation Program
Heritage University
Dr. Amy Nuñez (She/Her/Hers/Ella) is an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Preparation Program at Heritage University. She received her bachelor's in Elementary Education at Eastern Washington University where she was also a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Her graduate studies led her to Indiana University, Bloomington where she received her Ph.D. in Education Policy.
Nuñez’ research utilizes qualitative methods with Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Latino Critical Theory (LatCrit) to address barriers historically underrepresented students face in K-12 and higher education institutions, especially students who come from Latinx, low-income, first-generation, DACA, and/or undocumented backgrounds. Her dissertation titled, "I Wish They Knew We Existed": The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families, identifies equitable strategies to better support students in mixed-status families achieve their educational goals.
As a first-generation college student, Latina, and daughter of immigrants, Nuñez is happy to be back in her hometown learning and growing from students at Heritage. She is especially excited to support students on their journey to becoming teachers.
AAHHE-ETS Outstanding Dissertation Competition Webinar
Soy de Aquí y de Allá/I'm from Here and There: Exploring how HBCUs’ contribute to Afro-Latino (a,e,x) students’ Ethnic/Racial Identity Development and Mental Health
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Register Today!
Dissertation Description
This qualitative study utilizes phenomenology to investigate the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on AfroLatine students' identity and mental health. The research addresses the lack of understanding and invisibility of AfroLatine students in higher education research, pedagogy, and policy. While HBCUs have a history of empowering African American students, it is unclear if these positive outcomes extend to AfroLatine students. The findings suggest that HBCUs have a unique opportunity to combat anti-Blackness and foster social bonds and civic engagement across the Black diaspora. This study fills a critical gap by shedding light on the positive aspects of the HBCU experience, healing spaces provided, as well as the challenges faced by AfroLatine students at HBCUs, emphasizing the need to move beyond diversity to foster more inclusivity and equity within higher education.
Natalie Muñoz, PhD
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Rutgers University-Newark
Degree Discipline: Social Work
Degree granting institution: Howard Institution
Dra. Muñoz is a proud Afro-Latina and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Rutgers University-Newark. She recently completed her PhD at Howard University Social Work. Natalie has served as an advocate for underserved college students, building mentorship programs for Black and Latine students for the last 15 years. Her research interests focus on AfroLatine ethnic/racial identity, mental health and educational inequities. She finds joy spending quality time with her abuelos y familia, cocinando un sancocho y más que todo bailando bachata.
AAHHE/Excelencia in Education Webinar
Fast Facts of Latinos in Higher Education
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2:00-3:00pm ET
Register Today!
You will need to preregister for this webinar. You will receive a personalized registration link.
Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policy, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet our mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia is building a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leadership.
Panelists
Cassandra Arroyo
Research Analyst
Excelencia in Education
Emily Labandera
Director of Research
Excelencia in Education
David A. Fuentes
Associate Dean
College of Education
William Paterson University
Cristóbal Rodríguez, PhD
Chair-elect, AAHHE Board of Directors
Associate Provost for Equity-Centered Initiatives in Academic Affairs
Western Michigan University
Azara Santiago Rivera, PhD
Chair, AAHHE Board of Directors
Professor Emerita
Merrimack College
Updated April 11, 2024
