Episode 36: From Pre-K to Ph.D.: Exploring the Black Educational Experience feat. Dr. Ramon Goings, University of Maryland Baltimore County

It is difficult to be what we cannot see.

Dr. Ramon Goings is an assistant professor in the Language, Literacy, and Culture interdisciplinary doctoral program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His research focuses on disrupting narratives about the educational experiences of gifted and high-achieving Black men. He seeks to break down barriers and increase the visibility of Black success outside entertainment and sports; we need to see Black students in K-12 and higher education as our lawyers, doctors, chemists, and other high-achieving professionals.

Ramon joins podcast host Kiran Kodithala on this episode of Illuminate Higher Education to talk about his many areas of interest, from supporting graduate students in completing their dissertations to unpacking the complex challenges and experiences unique to Black students, from kindergarten through to graduate school.

Prior to working in higher education, Goings was a music education and special education teacher in several urban school districts including Baltimore city public schools. He was also a foster care and youth probation counselor/advocate in New Haven, Connecticut. In 2013, he served as a fellow with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He earned his Doctor of Education degree in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University, Master of Science in human services from Post University, and Bachelor of Arts in music education from Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg).

For a brief overview of the conversation, read the Q&A below. Then, listen to the full episode for more details.

Q: Why did you choose to tackle the doctoral dissertation problem?

Almost 50% of doctoral students do not finish. It is not because of the coursework—that part is more structured. After that, students must complete a doctoral dissertation. It is a large research project intended to demonstrate one’s independence as a scholar. This is where people get stuck. It is not uncommon to find students who have been going through the dissertation process for seven to ten years. I realized that students were spending thousands of dollars on doctorate programs and not finishing, so it became clear to me that they needed some extra support.

It is true that students have advisors to help them through the process, but one faculty advisor could have as many as 20 advisees. This makes it nearly impossible to give each student the individual attention they need. My program helps provide structure around the entire process, from writing and time management strategies to identifying accountability partners and balancing research, writing, and real life.

Q: In your view, what makes historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) different?

The general assumption about HBCUs is that the student population is always majority Black. That is not always the case; in fact, there are many that are not. HBCUs are some of the most diverse educational institutions in the United States. They are unique because they emphasize the Black experience in all aspects of campus life, from social activities like fraternities and sororities to academics. Professors approach their subject matter with an equity-oriented mindset, encouraging students to use what they learn to build careers and impact communities in a positive way.

The focus on the Black experience is important for instructors and institutions to consider. If they want to diversify their student populations, there needs to be a system of support throughout the social and academic experience of attending college.

Q: Can you share a little more about your other publications?

My books address several different topics. 14 Secrets to a Done Dissertation is my “manual” for getting through the dissertation process.

Another one is entitled Graduate Education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: A Student Perspective. It includes chapters from graduates discussing their experiences obtaining advanced degrees from HBCUs. It can help graduate program administrators, faculty, and staff better understand the needs of Black graduate students.

Creating and Sustaining Effective K-12 School Partnerships: Firsthand Accounts of Promising Practices focuses on partnerships and strategies educators can use to produce positive socio-educational outcomes for Black students.

Take a look at Ramon’s other publications on his website. Listen to the full podcast episode for all the details.

After you listen, connect with Dr. Ramon Goings on LinkedIn and visit RamonGoings.com. Learn more about Ramon’s coaching program and purchase his book, The Done Dissertation, by visiting TheDoneDissertation.com and following @DoneDissCoach on Twitter.

Listeners can also access a free training session by texting #FREE to (301) 701-2466.

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