(Press-News.org) The NCAA has awarded one of its four 2025 Graduate Student Research grants to support the dissertation research of doctoral student Jada Crocker (PhD in education candidate), who is exploring the academic advising experiences of Black/African American student-athletes at Minority Serving Institutions. As the lead researcher, Crocker is conducting in-depth interviews with participants to gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these student-athletes at Division I institutions. This research aims to inform policy and practice by identifying barriers to success, promoting tailored support services, and encouraging inclusive practices that enhance student success and persistence.
Dr. Ellen Drogin Rodgers, Associate Professor in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management at the College of Education and Human Development, serves as the Principal Investigator for the grant and as Crocker's mentor.
The project is supported by a $6,679 grant from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, with funding running from September 2025 to late June 2026.
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ABOUT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
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National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) funding for research on academic advising experiences of Division I Black/African American student-athletes at minority serving institutions
2025-10-14
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