Today’s public research university is constantly required to respond to financial,

regulatory, technological, political, social, and academic pressures. Frequently, the

response is to initiate strategic planning and innovation efforts. The success of those

efforts rely largely upon execution which is dependent upon staff at every level of the

organization. This qualitative phenomenological study used appreciative inquiry as its

method of inquiry as well as its analytical lens to explore the experiences of Black staff

in various roles at a primarily non-Black public R1 research university. Participants

were actively involved in the execution of plans developed to address various areas and

objectives, but not very involved in the process of providing input for inclusion in any of

the plans. Leadership and supervision are critical influencers of drivers as well as drivers

of staff engagement.