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Michael James, Ph.D. is a 2026 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

Michael James at his Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Daniel Diaz, Committee Member, Dr. Kenneth Williams, Committee Chair, Dr. Randolph Burnside, Committee Member.

Dissertation Committee

  • Kenneth Williams, EdD, Committee Chair
  • Daniel Diaz, PhD, Committee Member
  • Randolph Burnside, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

financial literacy, African American, wealth gap, systemic inequities, college students, targeted universalism, qualitative research, HBCUs, financial well-being, leadership

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This dissertation presents a qualitative analysis of a targeted financial literacy program designed for African American college students. The dissertation examined how African American college students describe and make meaning of their participation in a targeted financial literacy program, particularly in relation to the program’s structure, content, and delivery. Despite growing interest in financial literacy education, interventions that acknowledge the persistent wealth gap and systemic financial inequities faced by African Americans remain underexplored. Employing a case study research method within a program understanding framework, this study investigated a program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Findings reveal that the program significantly enhanced participants' financial knowledge, particularly in saving and credit management, and fostered more proactive financial decision-making. Student Ambassadors reported substantial personal growth, a strong sense of community impact, and advocated for the importance of early financial education. The peer-to-peer model proved particularly effective in cultivating understanding. Leveraging the theory of change, this research demonstrates that culturally relevant financial education can empower African American college students, contributing to greater financial empowerment and addressing systemic disparities. This study provides empirical evidence for the efficacy of tailored financial literacy approaches, offering actionable insights for policymakers to design and implement initiatives that acknowledge and address specific socio historical contexts for more equitable financial outcomes. While acknowledging the study's focus on college students, it underscores the critical need for future research across diverse segments of the African American community to validate and expand upon these findings. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Michael James

ORCID No.:  #0009-0004-5562-1813

Dr. Michael L. James offers a perspective shaped by decades of distinguished service as an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF) and a senior U.S. government official, combined with a rigorous academic background.

He earned his PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, where his doctoral research focused on the impactful realm of targeted financial literacy programs. His educational foundation includes an undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air Force Air War College.

His extensive military career included critical responsibilities in policy formulation, research and development (R&D), acquisitions, military intelligence, satellite launch operations, nuclear missile operations, and curriculum and leadership development at the Air Force Officer Training School.

Dr. James is the Founder and CEO of Red Door Financials, LLC, leveraging his expertise to further his mission of financial literacy advocacy. His lifelong passion for finance, combined with his unique leadership and scholarly background, underpins his insightful approach to financial literacy.

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