1 Jason A. Ottley & Antonio L. Ellis The Journal of Educational Foundations, 2019 Jason A. Ottley is assistant director of first-year advising at American University, Washington, D.C. Antonio L. Ellis is director of specialized instruction at Stanton Elementary School and an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Howard University, both in Washington, D.C. Their e-mail addresses are: jottley@american.edu & antonio.ellis2@dc.gov Abstract In this article, we show that the retention and graduation rate of Black male students at institutions of higher education is dismal when compared to other groups. Approximately, 30% of Black college males who enroll in a four-year institution earn a college degree compared to 57% of White male students (Bohrnstedt et al., 2015). Black men find it difficult to persist and complete a college degree, and reasons behind it should be explored. The purpose of this study is to explore student and administrator perceptions of retention strategies for Black male students attending a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Keywords: African American Males, Predominantly White Institution, Student Retention, Rural Education Introduction A college degree increases the likelihood of employment, future earnings and personal satisfaction. However, the challenge in earning A Qualitative Analysis: Black Male Perceptions of Retention Initiatives at a Rural Predominately White Institution Jason A. Ottley Antonio L. Ellis The Journal of Educational Foundations Vol. 32, No. 1, 2, 3, & 4 2019, pp. 1-20 Copyright 2019 by Caddo Gap Press