Heredia-Griego, Meriah E., authorAnderson, Sharon, advisorDavies, Timothy, committee memberSagás, Ernesto, committee memberSierra, Christine, committee member2007-01-032007-01-032013http://hdl.handle.net/10217/80149Lobbyists are increasingly a central part of the administration at higher-education institutions. The purpose of this study was to explore the formative life experiences, regarding race and racism, of lobbyists for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)-institutions with 25% or more Hispanic student enrollment-and how those lobbyists discussed access to higher education for undocumented students. The study describes how the participants constructed identities for themselves and undocumented students in a policy discussion, and it describes the role of HSIs in this timely policy discussion. To accomplish these goals, I used a qualitative research design that integrates elements of narrative inquiry and case study. I used holistic content analysis and dialogic/performance analysis to understand the relationship between formative life experiences and policy discussions. Additionally, descriptive and substantive representation theories provide a framework for critiquing the representation of undocumented students in HSI lobbying efforts. This first-of-its-kind case study informs lobbyist hiring practices, lobbying behaviors, policy discussions, and alignment of institutional values with lobbying initiatives at HSIs.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.narrativedialogic performanceeducation lobbyistsgovernment relationsHispanic serving institutionsidentity constructionText