| This qualitative study uses Latino Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) to explore factors that influence Latinos in public higher education in the state of Tennessee. The themes that emerged from this study included participant sentiments of connection, disconnection, identity, and opportunities. The participants in this study revealed various levels of connection and disconnection to the institutional culture in the college they attend. This study found that cultural factors and high levels of self-efficacy contribute to the Latino college experience and impact the student perspective of institutional effectiveness. Furthermore, the results of this study revealed that Tennessee Latino college students have similar obstacles, experiences, and needs as Latino students in other parts of the country. As a result, institutions of higher education in Tennessee may wish to model Latino student support services after successful programs already in existence to help improve Latino student matriculation, persistence, and degree completion. |
