Attrition rates from nursing programs for ethnic minority students are higher than the general population. Griffiths (1999) projected that attrition rates for minorities in nursing is as high as 85 percent. Barriers to successful completion of nursing programs by African Americans have been discussed in the literature. The research question that guided this study was: how can nursing faculty promote retention and academic success for African American nursing students? Nine female African American nursing students and three female African American registered nurses were invited to participate in a qualitative descriptive study that used an electronic online discussion group, focus group, and interviews to answer the research question. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The three themes that emerged that answered the research question directly are that faculty should be accessible to students at mutually agreeable times, willing and able to help students succeed, and encouraging to students in their academic endeavor. Three incidental themes emerged that reflected other factors that had the potential to influence academic success for African American nursing students. Black Feminist Theory provides an understanding and explanation for the study's outcomes. Trustworthiness was established by committee review, audit review, and member check. The outcome of this study adds to the body of nursing science in education.