FACULTY DIVERSITY AND STUDENT SENSE OF BELONGING

Through qualitative research methods addressing the lack of faculty of color in higher education, this study examined the influence of faculty diversity on underrepresented minority (URM) community college students’ sense of belonging. Using critical race theory (CRT) as a philosophical foundation and Strayhorn’s sense of belonging model as a theoretical foundation, this investigation underlined how lack of faculty diversity can negatively impact URM community college students. This study found that faculty diversity can enhance sense of belonging for URM community college students