“I Wish I Wasn’t the Only One”: Understanding the Racialized Experiences of Graduate Students of Color in the Humanities

Authors

  • Loreal Roberston University of Chicago, USA
  • Daniella G. Varela Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA
  • Nick J. Sciullo Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA
  • Lori Kupczynski Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/b79hra92

Keywords:

Critical Race Theory, Graduate Students of Color, Graduate Education, Minority Education

Abstract

This phenomenological study seeks to explore the racialized educational experiences of graduate students of color (GSOC) seeking degrees in humanities disciplines. Using Critical Race Theory, this investigation sheds light on the lived experiences, inside and outside the classroom, of minoritized graduate students as they navigate their educational environments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of nine graduate students who were selected through purposive sampling to participate in the study. The findings support and extend the literature examining the educational experiences of graduate minority students in higher education. Implications are discussed, as are best practices for faculty and educational administrators to better support and address the racialized encounters experienced during graduate study for minoritized students of color.

Author Biographies

  • Loreal Roberston, University of Chicago, USA

    Dr. LOREAL ROBERTSON is the Associate Dean of Students for Student Support and Engagement at The University of Chicago. Loreal has over 10 years of experience in higher education and student affairs and has a background in various functional areas such as University Housing, TRIO Programs, Student Involvement and Engagement and the Dean of Students office.

  • Daniella G. Varela, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA

    Dr. DANIELLA G. VARELA has dedicated nearly 20 years as a public servant in the State of Texas. Prior to becoming an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, she held roles as Certification Coordinator of the university’s Educator Preparation Program, Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance, and with the Texas Education Agency and Office of the Governor.

  • Nick J. Sciullo, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA

    Dr. NICK J. SCIULLO is an Associate Professor of Communications at Texas A&M University – Kingsville and Affiliate Faculty for the Women’s and Gender Studies program.  His research focuses on the intersections of cultural studies, critical theory, rhetoric, and law with an interest in Blackness in the U.S. context. 

  • Lori Kupczynski, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA

    Dr. LORI KUPCZYNSKI has served over 25 years in higher education in the areas of English, Communication, Adult Education, Higher Education and Educational Leadership.  She currently serves at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling as a full professor, Coordinator of the Higher Education and Leadership transcripted certificate program and Special Assistant to the Vice President of Research and Innovation-Research Compliance.

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Published

2025-05-25

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress

Section

Articles