New Book Calls 'Sense of Belonging' the Missing Link in Student Success

HOUSTON - EntSun -- IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Do Good Work proudly announces the release of the newest book, Students' Sense of Belonging and Involvement in College: Key Insights from Research for Practice, by internationally recognized scholar, speaker, and author Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, published by Bloomsbury Academic.

At a time when colleges and universities continue to confront challenges related to student retention, engagement, mental health, and graduation, the book offers a timely examination of one of higher education's most influential yet often underestimated factors: students' sense of belonging.

Drawing on decades of research and scholarship, the volume examines how academic and co-curricular involvement contributes to students' sense of belonging and, in turn, supports learning, persistence, well-being, and educational success. The book bridges theory and practice with evidence-informed insights that help institutional leaders, faculty members, student affairs professionals, and researchers foster more inclusive campus environments.

More on EntSun News

• Phinge CEO DeMaio Unveils Speech to Congress: User Data Sovereignty vs Tech Surveillance Capitalism, Asserting Foundational 2021 App-Less Patents & IP
• Michael Maertens Hired as Century Fasteners Corp. – Chief Financial Officer
• Built to Last: Why BSI Is Among the Nation's Fastest-Growing Companies, and One of Its Best Places to Work
• Bent Danholm's The Architecture of Demand Reaches No. 2 in Amazon Real Estate Sales
• Contracting Resources Group Named to Inc. 5000 for the Ninth Time

"Too often, we ask whether students fit into college," said Strayhorn. "A better question is whether colleges are intentionally creating the conditions that help students feel seen, valued, respected, safe, supported, and connected. Belonging is not simply a feeling—it is a foundational condition for learning, engagement, and success."

The book arrives as colleges across the United States seek research-based strategies to improve student outcomes and strengthen campus communities. Connecting scholarship with practical application, Students' Sense of Belonging and Involvement in College offers actionable guidance for institutions seeking to strengthen student engagement and create environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

The publication reflects Strayhorn's longstanding commitment to advancing research on college students and educational justice. His scholarship has influenced educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders worldwide, helping reshape conversations about student success through the lens of belonging.

More on EntSun News

• New Wave Of Independent Film: Aevolum Cinema Presents Returns With "Cornered", 30 Sept 2026
• Spooky Ventures, Tales of Wonder and Dread and Frankenstein
• ImagineX Named to 2026 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies
• ASSIST Software Becomes One of the First European Companies Certified to ISO/IEC 42001
• The World's No.1 Superstar® Enters the Occult with New Track and Cinematic Visual "Under Your Spell"

"This book is ultimately an invitation," Strayhorn added. "If we want students to persist, achieve, and flourish, we must move beyond simply admitting them to our institutions. We must intentionally cultivate communities where they experience authentic belonging and have meaningful opportunities to become involved, whether on- or off-campus."

Published by Bloomsbury Academic, the book is intended for higher education leaders, faculty members, graduate students, researchers, student affairs practitioners, policymakers, and others committed to improving the college experience through evidence-based practice.

The book is available now through Bloomsbury Academic and major online booksellers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn is a leading scholar whose research focuses on belonging, leadership, and organizational culture. Founder of Do Good Work Enterprises, he serves as Interim Dean of the School of Education and Professor at Virginia Union University. https://dogoodworkllc.org