ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the experiences of graduate students of color that has emphasized increased recruitment efforts, financial and academic support, the presence of faculty and administrators of color, and the need to address race and culture in coursework. Research on the socialization experiences, professional development, and success of doctoral students and faculty has generally emphasized the importance and role of advisors as the support mechanism for students rather than the role of mentors. Mentors are often credited with providing proteges the opportunities to develop the skills and abilities necessary for a chosen profession. Mentors act as role models, and can offer counseling, coaching, advising, and insider information as a way to help proteges learn the ropes of a given discipline and profession. Rann Thompson described Historically Black College or University culture as an "academically rigorous and socially conscious environment that challenges and shapes students’ intellectual as well as their social, political and spiritual lives".
