MPHI is pleased to announce the publication of a research article by Dr. Shondra L. Marshall in the Language Arts Journal of Michigan. This peer-reviewed scholarly journal is dedicated to literacy and English language arts education at all instructional levels. The article, featured in Volume 38, Issue 2, is a collaborative effort between Dr. Marshall, Dr. Clyde Barnett III, Dr. Quentrese Hinton, and Dr. Courtney BrieAnn Morris.
Supporting Black Doctoral Students in Higher Education
The article delves into strategies for supporting Black students in higher education, particularly those pursuing doctoral degrees. It highlights the importance of active and consistent mentoring, stating that doctoral students who receive such support are more likely to publish their research, have a positive outlook on their career prospects, report higher career satisfaction, and feel better about the support they received during their program.

The authors identify several factors that shape the experiences of Black doctoral students, noting that these students often face unique challenges not encountered by their White classmates. Using an intersectional framework, the authors reviewed studies to understand these challenges and the experiences that arise from them. They focused on four main areas: socialization, mentoring, financial wellness, and belonging. The research suggests that improvements in these areas could significantly enhance the journey and outcomes for Black doctoral students in their programs.
Dr. Marshall’s Role at MPHI’s Center for Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ)
Dr. Marshall leads MPHI’s Center for Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ), a center committed to understanding how individual, family, and community health is influenced by exposure to child welfare, juvenile justice, and criminal justice systems. CRSJ concentrates on the impacts of governmental structures and systems that are detrimental to public health, focusing on how policies contribute to racial and social injustice in America. The projects at CRSJ center on public health and social justice in the child protection, juvenile justice, and criminal justice systems and aim to develop strategies for prevention, reduction of justice involvement, and reentry and well-being.
Dr. Marshall’s work revolves around child welfare and youth engagement, focusing on decreasing racial disparities through social justice. Her research areas include racial socialization, academic performance, youth voice/ engagement, culturally responsive pedagogy, equity, and justice.
Read the Full Article
Interested in learning more? You can read the full article here: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/lajm/vol38/iss2/8/

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