2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

A CASE for Success: Cultivating Counterspaces and Culturally Affirming Retention in Engineering Education (Work in Progress)

Presented at Minorities in Engineering Division(MIND) Technical Session 2

The College of Engineering's Center for Academic and Student Engagement (CASE) at our institution has developed a suite of innovative retention and development programs designed to support undergraduate engineering and computer science students. While Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been widely considered influential contributors to the persistence of Black students (Fries-Britt et al., 2012; Nguyen et al., 2021) and other Students of Color (Williams et al., 2022), CASE takes this idea further by intentionally creating an environment or counterspace that fosters belonging, community, and a sense of cultural affirmation for students from diverse backgrounds through its programming.

Researchers posit that counterspaces are safe havens for individuals not typically included in certain educational spaces (Ong et al., 2018). In intentionally using culturally affirming practices, these programs emphasize self-advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development, equipping students not only to succeed academically but also to thrive personally and professionally. CASE cultivates accessible support systems and builds a cultural fabric of success that extends beyond the classroom, ensuring that students are empowered to persist, graduate, and lead in national and global settings.

Currently in its early implementation phase, CASE has begun collecting preliminary data through student surveys and focus groups to assess the impact of its programming on student engagement and sense of belonging. Early feedback indicates strong student appreciation for the cultural relevance and intentionality of the programming. Future phases will include longitudinal tracking, integration with college of engineering initiatives, and development of metrics to evaluate non-cognitive factors influencing persistence. This work contributes to the broader conversation on inclusive excellence in engineering education and offers a replicable model for institutions seeking to support underrepresented populations in STEM.

Authors

Niya S. King, Ph.D. North Carolina A&T State University [biography]

Dr. Niya S. King is an engineering educator and researcher with a strong commitment to advancing inclusive excellence in STEM. She holds a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University, and earned her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Florida A&M University. Her research interests include environmental remediation, water sustainability, and innovative engineering technologies. Dr. King is deeply invested in STEM mentorship, outreach, and the development of culturally affirming educational practices. Her work supports both undergraduate and graduate student success, with a focus on retention, leadership development, and creating inclusive learning environments for underrepresented populations in engineering.
Mrs. Renisha Howard Jones North Carolina A&T State University [biography]

Renisha Howard Jones is a higher education professional. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UNC- Chapel Hill and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies with a concentration in Higher Education and a doctoral minor in Educational Research Methods at UNC- Greensboro. She is passionate about higher education, women's issues, Black students' experiences in higher education, STEM education, and helping students to unlock their potential.
Dr. Tamara L Fuller [biography]

Dr. Tamara Fuller is the Director of Student Services for the College of Engineering. Dr. Fuller brings a wealth of experience as an administrator and educator in higher education. She came to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University fro
Ms. Jennifer M Kennedy North Carolina A&T State University
Dr. Leotis Parrish North Carolina A&T State University [biography]

Dr. Leotis Parrish currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the College of Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (NCAT) State University. He received a B.S. and M.S. degree in civil engineering from NCAT State Univ
Kevin L Taylor North Carolina A&T State University

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1st Generation
Broadening Participation in Engineering and Engineering Technology
computer science
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