“Feelings That Others Won’t Necessarily Have”: Experiences of Black Athletic Administrators Navigating the Collegiate Athletic Setting

Authors
Jonathan E. Howe – The Ohio State University
Carter A. Rockhill – The Ohio State University

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of Black senior-level athleticadministrators within the context of Division I athletic departments. Within this qualitative study,we had a sample consisting of 13 Black identifying individuals in high ranking positions withinathletic departments at Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions. During this study, datacollection included interviews, document analysis, and field notes. We highlight emergent themesfrom our data analysis, including Black administrators experiencing feelings of being anoutsider to carrying the responsibility of being the Black voice. We conclude the study byoffering recommendations for athletic departments to improve their environments, which willresult in improved experiences for Black administrators.

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