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Dissertation
Integrating internationalization and diversity efforts in U.S. higher education: a phenomenological study of international education professionals
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
May 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010953
Abstract
This study explored the integration of internationalization and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in U.S. institutions of higher education by examining the lived experiences of international education professionals who play active roles in both areas. Using a phenomenological approach, the research drew on insights gathered through three rounds of one-on-one semi-structured interviews with nine international education professionals recruited from NAFSA's community network. The participants represented a diverse range of institutional sizes and types, offering a comprehensive view of how internationalization and DEI intersect in practice. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on how U.S. institutions of higher education can better support globally engaged and culturally inclusive environments through the intentional integration of internationalization and DEI. Findings revealed that internationalization and DEI efforts were siloed, with limited institutional alignment or strategic integration. Participants responded to this gap by navigating role ambiguity and institutional inaction through grassroots innovation and personal commitment, frequently reimagining internationalization through a DEI lens. Despite facing structural and political challenges, many participants had succeeded in advancing global engagement by embedding equity-focused practices into student programming, curriculum, and campus culture.
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Details
- Title
- Integrating internationalization and diversity efforts in U.S. higher education
- Creators
- Chad Buckwalter
- Contributors
- Lawrence J. Keiser (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iii, 165 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022054940204721