Hispanic Student Motivation and Satisfaction after Participating in Organizations and Programs in the Gordon W. Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Hispanic students in higher education have been an area of study for decades. The Gordon W. Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University has reported an overwhelming increase in its enrollment of Hispanic students. Davis College has also seen an increase in Hispanic student participation in college organizations and programs. Literature has noted the importance of higher education organizations and programs in relation to Hispanic students’ acclimation to college, persistence, and overall success throughout college and post-graduation. The purpose of this study was to identify Hispanic student motivations and satisfaction after participating in organizations and programs in the Gordon W. Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The results of the study were obtained through two focus group sessions with Hispanic students actively participating in Davis College organizations and programs. The study discussions concluded Hispanic students attend Texas Tech because of its academic benefits and reputation of Davis College. Hispanic students are likely to major in a college of agriculture because of their prior involvement in agriculture and their desire to implement change based on their interests and passions. The discussions also concluded Hispanic students join Davis College organizations and programs to fulfill their need for community and a supportive environment. Davis College organizations and programs benefit Hispanic students by providing professional networking abilities and career preparation. The discussion finally concluded Davis College organizations and programs need better emphasis on inclusivity and increased recruitment effort.