Race Evasion In White Student Affairs Professionals in Minnesota Higher Education: A Phenomenology

Author

• Cindy BoeFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-14-2026

Document Type

Dissertation (799 registration)

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Caitlin A. Johnson, Ph.D.

Keywords

race evasion, colorblind racism, student affairs

Abstract

Language that includes race-evasive frames is used by White individuals to maintain a status quo wherein White individuals hold greater access to societal power and resources than people of color. Race-evasive frames include abstract liberalism, naturalization, cultural racism, and disconnected power-analysis. In higher education, use of race evasive frames has been primarily documented in White college students and White faculty members. This study addressed in a gap in the literature related to race evasion in White student affairs professionals. Student affairs professionals provide direct support to college students. Scholars have suggested that student affairs professionals carry responsibility for advancing equity and inclusion.
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of White student affairs professionals employed in Minnesota higher education. Seven members of the Minnesota Colleges and Universities Career Services Association (MCUCSA) participated in an interview about their lived experiences and how their attitudes about race have evolved during their career. Results indicated that interview participants expressed multiple frames of race evasion and protected a status quo prioritizing comfort for White individuals, matching results in similar studies with White faculty members and White college students. Implications of results are discussed, including recommendations for White student affairs professionals and White administrators, who hold significant power in Minnesota higher education and carry responsibility to lean into courageous action required to dismantle white supremacy.

Recommended Citation

Boe, Cindy, "Race Evasion In White Student Affairs Professionals in Minnesota Higher Education: A Phenomenology" (2026). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1130.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1130