COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Douglas Hermond

TITLE: EVALUATING THE HOUSING DISPARITIES SURROUNDING 1890 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES AND 1862 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES IN THE SOUTH

ABSTRACT: This dissertation investigated the disparities in housing and economic development surrounding 1890 and 1862 land grant universities in the southern United States, highlighting the differences between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) established by the 1890 Morrill Act, and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) established under the 1862 Morrill Act. These Morrill Acts established the first federal support for higher education in agriculture and mechanical arts, granting land and, in the case of 1862 institutions, financial resources. This dissertation was guided by six research questions, applied by both the Hedonic Price Model and comparative analysis: (1) How do the housing structure types differ between areas surrounding 1862 land grant universities and those surrounding 1890 land grant universities? (2) Are there variations in housing values between areas surrounding 1862 land grant universities and those surrounding 1890 land grant universities? (3) Are there differences in rental rates between areas surrounding 1862 land grant universities and those surrounding 1890 land grant universities? (4) Do 1890 land grant universities provide more housing to students relative to their size when compared to 1862 universities? (5) What is the relationship between city retail sales relative to size generated in a community and a combination of number of single-family units, number of multi-family units, housing values, rental rates, and percentage housing provided by the institution? (6) Do communities surrounding 1890 land grant universities have less businesses relative to their size when compared to 1862 universities? The analysis revealed both disparities and consistencies between communities surrounding 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities. Housing structures showed no significant differences, reflecting the influence of regional planning and market dynamics. In contrast, housing values and rental rates were significantly higher near 1862 institutions, while lower values near 1890 universities reflected historic disinvestment and weaker demand. Notably, 1890 universities provided substantially more housing relative to enrollment, serving as critical anchors in less robust markets. Retail sales were shaped more by affordability and density than institutional type, and business density showed no meaningful variation. Overall, institutional type most strongly affected housing outcomes.

Keywords: Housing Disparities, Hedonic Proce Model, Educational Leadership

Location Online:

Zoom Link:

https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/97062718145?pwd=f68bbfHsGngVAAxhADJDQUhLcLWoID.1

Meeting ID: 970 6271 8145

Passcode: 343616