Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Todd Ream

Second Advisor

Dara Berkhalter

Third Advisor

Kelly Yordy

Abstract

Diverse community engagement in faith-based institutions is potentially lacking faith-based intentions. Though community engagement is a well talked about topic within Christian higher education and conversations on diversity are rapidly growing, there was no previous research on the intersection between faith-based institutions, diversity and community engagement. Thus, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to find how faith-based institutions implement diverse community engagement within US communities and then show the implications that engagement has on increasing diversity on campuses. Results revealed many shared themes through the institutions and how they are working to increase racial and cultural awareness. However, the participating colleges and universities shared their challenges with their diverse interactions on and off campus. The discussion introduces opportunities for future research while providing faith-based institutions questions to engage with while seeking to heighten diversity support initiatives.

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