We owe a debt of gratitude to Cuyjet and his distinguished colleagues for identifying the challenges we have yet to address and providing inspiring examples of existing programs which have found success through their commitment to imprinting the matriculation, graduation, and overall lives of African American men on American college and university campuses. (Education Review, 06/18/08) Cuyjet and his associates should be applauded for their scholarship addressing the Black male college student. (The Boo) will benefit higher education professionals, faculty and students in their professional work and scholarship, and others interested in reversing the status quo of Black Men in College. (The Journal of Higher Ed, May-June, 2008)
"The book is an excellent tool and resource for student affairs practitioners and faculty members…" (TC Record, March 14 2007)
Among undergraduates at colleges and universities in the United States, African American women outnumber African American men by almost two-to-one nationwide and by more than three-to-one at some schools. This is the most skewed ratio of any racial or ethnic group. According to the Chicago Tribune, there are more Black men behind bars in the United States than in its colleges and universities. There is a real need to understand the unique issues and concerns of African American men pursuing higher education.African American Men in College is a much-needed resource that includes examples of real-world programs and activities to enhance academic success in the college environment for African American men. The examples are collected from a variety of institutions across the country.
With contributions from leading practitioners and scholars in the field, African American Men in College explores the factors that promote a climate of academic success. The book shows how participation in extracurricular activities can create a positive social climate and examines the advantages of developing communication and leadership skills. It shows how fostering relationships with administrators and community leaders can promote academic success. The book also describes a proven mentoring program and examines the role spirituality and religion can play in bolstering successful college experiences.
In addition, African American Men in College discusses the positive and negative influences of membership in social fraternities and describes the advantages and disadvantages of intercollegiate athletics. This important resource also explores the particular challenges faced by gay African American men in the college environment. The book then puts the spotlight on the influence of historically Black colleges and universities and community colleges and reveals the findings from two empirical studies to determine how African American males fare on both of these types of campuses.
From the Back Cover
Acclaim for African American Men in College"This book provides readers with a comprehensive assessment of the current status of African American males in higher education. What makes this treatment especially effective is its attention to the needs, challenges, and successes of men from a variety of backgrounds in three distinct types of institutions historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly White colleges and universities, and community colleges. Most important, readers will learn about the most effective initiatives and strategies to support the education of these students."
Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, president, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
"Dr. Cuyjet's findings and insights will enable today's college administrators, faculty, staff, and advisors to improve the education and development of African American men attending college. Anyone who is interested in the future success of college-age men should read this book."
James R. Kitchen, vice president for student affairs, San Diego State University
"If you are concerned and committed to making a difference in the lives of our African American male students, this is a must-read publication. This book has taken the bold step to discuss all aspects of the African American male dilemma in American higher education. I applaud our colleagues on a thought-provoking contribution to the knowledge base on students and their experiences."
Gregory Roberts, executive director, ACPA College Student Educators International
About the Author
Michael J. Cuyjet is an associate dean of the graduate school and an associate professor in the college of education and human development at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the editor of Helping African American Men Succeed in College in the New Directions for Student Services monograph series from Jossey-Bass.
