Date of Award
2026
Type
Dissertation
Major
Doctor of Education
Degree Type
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Leadership (Higher Education Administration)
Department
Counseling, Foundations & Leadership
First Advisor
Dr. Lauren Neal
Second Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Lovelace
Third Advisor
Dr. Kimberly Stokes
Abstract
This study examined the factors affecting student-athletes sense of belonging at a private liberal arts college using Strayhorn’s Sense of Belonging Framework. The research used a mixed method approach and combined quantitative survey data from 112 undergraduate students with qualitative interviews from seven faculty members to analyze variations in academic readiness, institutional support and a sense of belonging. Despite that fact that non-athletes reported being significantly more academically prepared, quantitative data indicated that there was no statically significant difference in the overall sense of belonging between student-athletes and non-athletes. There was also a negative correlation between a sense of belonging for student-athletes and a general sense of belonging, implying that student-athletes may experience a sense of belonging in a variety of ways. The qualitative analysis revealed eight primary themes: I) Student identity & perception of athletes, II) Academic preparedness & systematic influences, III) Test blind admissions: Equity benefits, IV) Time demands and role strains, V) Social belonging & campus engagement, VI) Faculty roles in student success, VII) Educational purpose, and VIII) Institutional Responsibility. Although faculty acknowledged systemic barriers to student success, such as institutional inconsistencies, time constraints, and lack of preparation, they focused on the academic capabilities of student-athletes. The combined analysis revealed that student athletes’ sense of belonging is often restricted to team settings and does not consistently extend to the broader campus community. This suggest that institutional and structural variables have a more significant impact on retention that individual characteristics. The study’s overall findings show vital it is for institutions to have clear policies, active faculty participation, and students receiving focused and intentional academic assistance to foster a sense of belonging and motivation among student-athletes to help with retention.
Recommended Citation
Tucker, Tamija Shrell, "An Analysis of Factors at a Private Liberal Arts College that Affect Student-Athlete Sense of Belonging" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 809.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/809
