Black Graduate Student Spotlight
Brian L. McGowan
Brian joined the Center for Postsecondary Research in July 2009. Brian is a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at Indiana University. He also serves as a reviewer for Research and Brief as well as the On Campus sections of the Journal of College Student Development. Prior to attending Indiana University, Brian served as an Area Coordinator for Rutgers University.
Job Responsibilities
Project Associate for the NSSE Institute for Effective Educational Practice
Research Interests
Brian’s research interests include the social construction of race, gender, and sexuality at predominantly White colleges and universities; issues and challenges facing college men of color, and racial/ethnic disparities in college student outcomes. His most recent publications and conference presentations have been related to the role of race and racism in the experiences of Black male resident assistants on predominantly White campuses, and perceptions of diversity among students of color.
(I didn’t have to do much work on this one, his job did all of the work for me http://cpr.iub.edu/staff.cfm?iuid=blmcgowa)
Brian is currently dissertating and preparing for life after Bloomington. In the time he has been here, Brian has attended numerous BGSA events and quite possibly knows well over half the 400 Black graduate students enrolled at IUB. Accomplished scholar, proven artist (he sings and plays the piano), and effective networker (Brian really knows everybody). Join me in saluting a brother, friend, a fellow Blackademician, our Brian Lamont McGowan.
We support you in the struggle, rejoice in your accomplishments, and want to share the load of your burdens. BGSA celebrates Black History Maker – Brian L. McGowan.
Black History Fact
On this day 57 years ago Alabama Governor George Wallace lost his fight to prohibit Black students from enrolling at the state’s flagship university. The University of Alabama admitted its first Black student, Autherine Lucy, on February 3rd, 1956. She was expelled three days later “for her own safety” in response to threats from a mob. In 1992 Autherine Lucy Foster graduated from the University with a master’s degree in education. The same day, her daughter, Grazia Foster, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance.