The Case for a Case Study A Case Study, as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time. The qualitative case study, as defined by Baxter and Jack (2008, December) is “a form of qualitative research that facilitates exploration of a phenomenon within its context using a variety of data sources” (p. 544). According to them, then, case study as a method is not a simplistic, one-dimensional approach to research. Yin (2013) indicates that the case study method is useful to explore individuals and organizations. It is the combination of these definitions that support the case for the case study as the method to examine the phenomenon of an HBCU’s (an organization) preparation and status of internationalizing its campus. To further address Stake’s (1995) question of how do you select the case which will maximize what can be learned, it was important to select a campus that had a particular focus on internationalizing. This campus was ideal to maximize what can be learned and may be generalizable because it has as a goal to globalize its campus. This case study was conducted over a year at the height of the campus’ internationalization process. The campus had developed a Globalization Strategic Plan, with input from the entire campus. The Globalization plan is tightly linked to the University’s overall Strategic Plan. At the time they were implementing their plan, the campus admitted nine Brazilian students as part of Brazil’s partnership with HBCUs. It keeping with Baxter and Jack’s (2008) suggestion of using a variety of data sources, this case study used the following sources: campus current and historical data analysis (history of founding, strategic plans and campus documents); international student office data review and staff interviews: President and senior staff interviews; Faculty review and interviews; and Brazilian student interviews. Brief Student Profile Situated in a southern state of the USA, as most Historically Black campuses are, it is a private campus with the following profile: • Student Profile -Total Student Population (3,200 – 71% Female and 29% Male) -Total Faculty Population (224 Fulltime – 95% hold Terminal Degrees; 40 hold Endowed Chairs or Professorships) • The student population is largely traditional age and residential – 95% Fulltime • Surprisingly, approximately 72.8% are African American and 25% students are of Vietnamese background, USA born

Overview of Findings There were several important findings from this study. First, having an international plan that is intimately tied to the University overall strategic plan is a crucial place to begin. The plan began with leadership and input from the top, with the President setting the direction and the campus being very engaged--faculty, staff, and students. The campus was obviously engaged in a two-phase process as it related to students: 1) increase the number of their students studying abroad; and 2) attract and retain students from abroad on their campus. There was a steady increase in the number of their students studying abroad (over a five year period the number of students studying away increased from approximately 10 to 30). The Brazilian students were happy with their experiences. They felt integrated on the campus from their beginning orientation to peer mentoring to faculty engagement to field trips and excursions into the City. These findings suggest that whole campus engagement, with concrete planning and implementation are essential. Planning and implementation are strategic at this institution, even with the well-defined activities to engage international students. Support from the entire campus is necessary to ensure admitted students are engaged globally as well as attracting, accommodating, and retaining international students. These are important lessons for other HBCUs to learn if they are to remain competitive in globalizing their campuses, particularly attracting and retaining international students.