The University has been ranked as one of the best institutions for African Americans seeking doctoral degrees.
In a recent study by “Black Issues in Higher Education,” the University was tied for 13th among institutions ranked by the number of doctoral degrees awarded in the 2000-2001 academic year.
Among individual disciplines, the University’s chemistry and English departments were national leaders in the number of doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans.
Steven Watkins, chemistry department associate chair, said he believes the number of black doctoral students in chemistry is due to the comfort level and familiarity in the department.
“We have African-American faculty members who can serve as mentors,” Watkins said.
In addition, Watkins said the “critical mass” in the department makes black students feel at home.
“What a critical mass means is that when an African-American student comes in to the department, he or she sees a lot of black faces,” he said.
Joseph Kronick, graduate studies director in the English department, thinks the success among African Americans in his department is due to positive word of mouth.
Kronick also said the presence of African-American studies and literature in the department is attractive to potential students.
“We have a commitment to African-American studies in our department that allows blacks to study other African Americans and African-American literature while they’re here,” he said.
Kevin Smith, vice chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies and dean of the Graduate School, said the number of African-American doctoral students at the University is the result of positive communication.
“We have contacts with traditionally black colleges,” Smith said. “We’re also interested in forming contacts with schools where our African-American students come from.”
Smith said the Graduate School also actively seeks out black students to enroll in its programs such as by sending representatives to graduate school fairs.