WVXU: Women veterans of color feel out of step in higher ed
A small study by new UC faculty member points out gaps in finding a sense of place
Students who are women veterans of color find support systems off campus for a lack of belonging they feel on campus, says a study by UC’s Rachael Saunders.
This finding, among others, appears in a study which Saunders led while a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina. Saunders is currently an assistant professor of counseling in UC’s School of Human Services, in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services and was interviewed by WVXU to discuss the study.
The study is called “Bended womanhood bended back: The intersection of race, gender, and culture in women of color veterans and their transition into higher education” and appears in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Diversity in Higher Education.
"I think that's important to highlight that even though they (study participants) didn't have a sense of belonging, that they really struggled to feel that they were accepted in these places, they showed critical insight and resilience that evolved because those intersecting identities," Saunders told WVXU.
Featured image at top courtesy of Unsplash/Bendjy.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC design student works with sports greats in co-op
April 2, 2026
Spectrum News profiles UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning communication design student Jayden Balwally, who had an internship with the Oklahoma City Thunder and worked with the Heisman Trophy Trust and the College Football Playoff.
Students crack investors’ playbook through venture capital competition
April 2, 2026
The world’s largest venture capital competition came to the University of Cincinnati in late February, letting students be VCs for a day and giving startups a chance to sharpen fundraising skills.
Sage Bushstone found her IT path through co-op experiences
April 2, 2026
Sage Bushstone is a fifth-year student at the University of Cincinnati, pursuing concurrent degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with concentrations in Data Technologies and Software Development, and an Accelerated Master of Science in Information Technology. In this story she shares how co-op experiences led her to her preferred field of study.