
Dorian L. McCoy is an assistant professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and conducts research that focuses on the experiences of people of color in higher education. More specifically, his research explores the socialization and transitional experiences of faculty, administrators, and graduate students from historically underrepresented groups, which includes issues of access for undergraduate and graduate students to higher education. His work is typically framed in critical race theory and social reproduction theory, with specific reference to cultural or social capital.
In May 2015, his co-authored monograph, Critical Race Theory in Higher Education: Twenty Years of Theoretical and Research Innovations, was published as a part of the Association for the Study of Higher Education monograph series. The monograph explored critical race theory’s introduction to higher education and its appropriateness as a theoretical framework, analytical tool, and research methodology for addressing race and racism in higher education. He recently completed a book chapter, “Mixed Methods Research,” in Research in the College Context: Approaches and Methods (2nd ed.), a widely used text for master’s programs in higher education and student affairs.
McCoy’s research has been published in several top-tier higher education journals, including the Journal of College Student Development, Journal of Higher Education, and Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. Consistent with his research focus on access to higher education for historically underrepresented student populations, McCoy serves as the co-director for the UT Project GRAD Summer Institute. The Summer Institute is designed to provide a unique opportunity for historically underrepresented students to participate and gain experience in an academic setting.