DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Nicholas Payton

MSW, M.ED.

Something Must Be Done: A Solution-Focused Approach to Addressing the Adverse Effects of ADEI Legislation on Black Students in Higher Education and the Importance of Implementing Social Justice Frameworks Leading to Positive Student Success and Program Completion

Concentration - Social Work Education

Abstract

The intersectionality of social work and higher education presents a positive responsibility to address systemic barriers that students endure due to adverse policies such as anti-DEI legislation. Black students and underrepresented students continue to face challenges that further widen the achievement gap, which hinders the student development process in the areas of social-emotional learning, inclusion, and belonging. This project explores barriers Black advanced degree-seeking students face and proposes solutions to enhance their success. Three key products were developed, focusing on evidence-based strategies for inclusive teaching, engagement, and belonging, which are crucial for Black student development and academic achievement in higher education. The capstone includes a systematic literature review, a conceptual paper, and a practice application paper, all addressing the impact of ADEI initiatives on student outcomes. The systematic literature review addresses the question of how post-secondary institutions provide support to black graduate students regarding community engagement and success. The conceptual paper uses critical race theory to address barriers black students endure that hinder the student development process. The practice application paper recognizes a need to integrate social justice pedagogy within curriculum and instruction to create inclusive experiences that will close the achievement gap.

Biography

Nicholas Payton is an Assistant Professor in the Sociology, Criminology, and Political Science department at Simpson College. He is a doctoral candidate on the social work education concentration track at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. His capstone examines the adverse effects of ADEI initiatives for black graduate students on college campuses. He received his bachelor’s degree in social work from Dordt University, where he was a student-athlete, a master’s in social work from Campbellsville University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis with a concentration in higher education administration, and a graduate certificate in college teaching from the University of Missouri. He has an abundance of experience in the fields of social work, education, leadership, and student development.

His practice background focuses on mental and behavioral health, social work leadership, higher education policy, and curriculum and teaching. His research interests include social justice/social welfare policy, K-12 and post-secondary education, ADEI initiatives and legislation, inclusion and belonging for BIPOC students, and emphasizing the need for collaborative co-parenting in child welfare. He is a member of several organizations rooted in service, scholarship, and social justice. Nicholas possesses a wealth of leadership and collaborative skills for mitigating inequity gaps for communities, underrepresented groups, organizations, and individuals. His commitment to helping others reach their full potential remains a top priority.