Understanding the Work of Student Affairs Professionals at Minority Serving Institutions

Book excerpt: "This volume explores the unique experiences of student affairs professionals at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the US. In doing so, it highlights broader challenges faced by MSIs and highlights ways in which these have been countered by effective student affairs practice. Recognizing that the role of student affairs practitioners at MSIs often differs from that of their contemporaries in other types of institution, this volume offers important insight into the context of student affairs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander- Serving Institutions. Drawing on rich qualitative data, chapters identify examples of best practices to foster student growth, ensure culturally relevant approaches, and enhance collaboration between academic and administrative departments. The volume thereby showcases the important contribution that these institutions, and the professionals within them, make to the US Higher Education landscape and the success of minority students. This text will benefit researchers, academics, and educators with an interest in student affairs practice, higher education management, and inclusive education. Those interested in the sociology of education as well as race and ethnicity studies will also benefit from the volume. Robert T. Palmer is Chair and Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the School of Education at Howard University, USA. He is also a faculty affiliate for the Center of Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) at Rutgers University, USA. Dina C. Maramba is Professor of Higher Education in the School of Educational Studies at the Claremont Graduate University, USA. She is also a faculty affiliate for the Center of Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) at Rutgers University, USA. Taryn Ozuna Allen is Associate Professor in Higher Education Leadership in the College of Education, Texas Christian University, USA. She is also a faculty affiliate for the Center of Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) at Rutgers University, USA. Andrew T. Arroyo is Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA. He is also a faculty affiliate for the Center of Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) at Rutgers University, USA"--