A study of the attitudes of selected African American students toward leadership & Black Greek letter organizations

Elora L. Crump A STUDY OF THE ATTITUDES OF SELECTED AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS TOWARD LEADERSHIP & BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS 2006/07 Dr. Burton R. Sisco Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration The participants in this study consisted of 76 African-American students at Rowan University in the spring 2005 semester. The purpose of the study was to replicate the research of Kimbrough (1995) exploring the attitudes of two groups of selected African American students regarding the impact of Black Greek organizations on the development of personal leadership. Subjects completed a survey indicating their level of leadership skills and activities, attitudes of Black Greek organizations and their leadership, along with demographic information. Members of Black Greek organizations (BGOs) and-non-members were compared to determine if there were attitudinal differences. The information collected from the participants was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings from the study supported Kimbrough's research. Namely, African American non-members and members of Black Greek organizations shared similar views on the importance of leadership, and leadership status. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Almighty God for placing the following people in my path and giving me the common sense and strength to recognize they were sent to help me through various parts of my life. I would like to thank: The Black Cultural League, The Gospel Choir, The National Pan-Hellenic Council (2004-2005), and PCI 2K4for being willing participants for this study. Dr. Burton SiscoI thank you for your patience, constructive criticism, and instruction. J.T. and The EOF/MAP Office of Rowan Universityfor your unconditional and continual support. You gave me the chance to prove that I could go "From Normal to Extraordinary. " Julie, Liz, and Christyfor always being available even when it was not always reciprocated. Though unique, each of you have provided (and still provide) an exemplar of how real women should speak, look, and serve personally and professionally. I have profound love and respect for each of you. Thank you. Drs. Miller and ClarkThank you so much for answering my call for help in the 1 1th hour when you had your own tremendous responsibilities to handle. Dr. Yelin and Mr. AlYou have literally treated me like one of your own children. Though sometimes kicking and screaming, you helped me recognize and use the potential that God gave me. Wayne and JoiaYou were there for me when I could not go to my own family. You opened my mind to more than my hurts and disappointments allowed me to believe. Joia, you may be gone, but I carry our conversations in my heart. ShondaThank you for not abandoning the assignment that God gave you to complete. You are an anointed gift from Him, and I love you. RitaI do not have any regrets about how our relationship has grown. Thank you for always believing in me even when I could not. JimiThe pursuit of God is the only protection from bondage. Be encouraged in knowing that the enemy has already been defeated and the victory is already yours! Mr. C. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. Thanks for all of your encouragement and praise. NanaYour love and loyalty never failed. There have been many disappointments and hurt bestowed upon you by many. including me. God restores, strengthens, and provides perfect peace to those who ask for it. I have asked for it on your behalf. I have asked Him to replace all hurt and disappointment with pride, joy, and perfect peace. I love you, Nana. Thank you.