Year

2008

Season

Fall

Paper Type

Doctoral Dissertation

College

College of Education and Human Services

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Janice J. Seabrooks

Second Advisor

Dr. David Whittinghill

Third Advisor

Dr. Russell O. Mays

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez

Department Chair

Dr. John J. Venn

College Dean

Dr. Larry G. Daniel

Abstract

The Hispanic population in the United States already constitutes the fastest growing minority group in the United States and by the year 2050 this group will constitute 24% of the total population and one fourth of the national workforce. Because this is a very young population whose median age is 27.2 years old, the education of this group is pivotal to the future of this nation. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived importance of personal and external factors found in the literature as significant in Hispanic college success for a sample of 137 Hispanic college seniors from four public higher education institutions in Florida.

This mixed method study used an instrument containing 13 demographic variables, 61 quantitative items, and 5 qualitative questions. The information gathered from the demographic items revealed a relevant data characterizing the participants as first, second, and third generation immigrants or Hispanic Americans with a diverse Hispanic background. They also belonged to middle and upper income households with at least one college educated parent.

The results from the descriptive analysis of the quantitative data from the survey indicated the students in the study had a strong desire to succeed, perceived a strong parental support and a supportive campus environment, and had a strong academic preparation to attend college. All these factors were corroborated by the qualitative results.

The recommendations for future studies and practices should include a greater understanding of the important role a supportive family and institution play in the academic success of Hispanic students. More research is recommended on the family-student relationship and its effect on students. Reaching out to Hispanic parents and families and ensuring their participation in campus events, as well as increasing institutional support with the outreach and hiring of Hispanic faculty are two specific recommendations worthy of consideration in the effort to ensure greater success for Hispanic students.

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