| dc.description.abstract | Vanderbilt athletics sponsors 16 highly competitive varsity-level sports teams; that include some of the best collegiate student-athletes in the world. While Vanderbilt athletics provides a quality experience for a diverse group of student-athletes, it is having difficulties engaging with Black student-athletes as alums. Vanderbilt athletics has been facing low levels of philanthropy from Black student-athlete alumni, which is problematic for various reasons. The research questions that guided this capstone included: RQ 1: What do Black student-athlete alumni identify as their factors to financially give back? RQ 2: What might the undergraduate experience (academic, social, athletic) for Black student-athletes indicate about future financial giving likelihood? RQ 3: What actions can Vanderbilt athletics take to improve Black student-athlete alumni philanthropy? Data for this study was collected via a mixed-method approach with quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected via surveys with Black student-athlete alumni and qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews with Black student-athlete alumni, current Black student-athletes, and university faculty/staff and athletic coaches that work closely with Black student-athletes. Findings from this study include (1) Relationships matter—The relationship between current student-athletes and the development office is non-existent or at best superficial with Black alumni student-athletes, with the possible exception of high-income and high-profile alumni. (2)The sense of belonging on Vanderbilt’s campus for Black student-athletes has been and continues to be a constant struggle, as Black student-athletes are rarely accepted by the rest of the student body. (3) It is important for Black student-athletes to know where their money is going and how it will make a difference. Black student-athletes do not have a clear understanding of where their money is going and the impact it makes.
(4) Black student-athlete alumni feel under-recognized or inadequately remembered for their contributions. Based on the literature, data collected and findings recommendations for Vanderbilt athletics include (1) The development office should reorganize itself to allow for more interaction and engagement with the student-athlete upon their arrival on campus and as Vanderbilt alumni. (2) Vanderbilt athletics should develop a curriculum around philanthropy and teach this to all their student-athletes. (3) Improve recognition of all student-athletes in prominent spaces across both the athletic campus and the main campus. Provide an opportunity for student-athletes to return to campus as alumni and see their impact in special recognition spaces. (4) Create a university-wide plan for the inclusivity of Black student-athletes. This plan would promote the narrative that student-athletes are equally qualified as all other students to be on Vanderbilt’s campus and work toward dismantling stereotypes. The athletic department should build stronger alliances with faculty and other student organizations on campus. | |
