Doctoral Dissertations
Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Communication and Information
Major Professor
John W. Haas
Committee Members
Laura E. Miller, Quinten S. Bernhold, J. Patrick Biddix
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the ways in which individuals working in diversity, equity, and inclusion roles at higher education institutions communicate about their work within their current social, cultural, and political context. To explore how higher education-based diversity leaders communicate about their work, the study used a qualitative approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 diversity leaders at 4-year colleges and universities, in the Southern region of the United States. Leaders from this institutional type were selected due to the prevalence of diversity offices present and this region having a high concentration of state level policies and legislation centered on diversity. The findings from this study elevate awareness of the impact of external and internal factors that contribute to the ways that diversity leaders at universities communicate about issues. The study also examines contextual factors such as political dynamics, the positionality of the diversity leader, and variance among types of diversity roles and institutional types. Multiple Goals Approach and Co-Cultural Theory are models that help to provide insight on how diversity leaders navigate their roles and responsibilities in the current context. Standpoint Theory and Social Identity Theory are additional theories relevant to the study (Allen, 1998; Hogg et al., 2004; Lapinski & Orbe, 2007). These theories are examined and expanded upon. The study explores how diversity leaders frame their work, the communicative practices they engage in, and their goals, as they try to foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion for their respective institutions. Six themes were produced from the data. More broadly, this study contributes to understanding the complexities of institutional leaders communicating about their work in the Southern region of the United States.
Recommended Citation
Blue, Jalen, ""RESPONDING TO WAVES OF CHANGE": HOW HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERS ARE ADJUSTING THEIR COMMUNICATION AMIDST A SHIFTING SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN THE SOUTH. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2025.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/12650