Digital Commons Network^™

Community Formation And Effective Leadership In African American Churches In High-Poverty Communities, Kevin Laron Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American church traditions were reputable for serving “the least of these" (Matthew 25:35 - 46) (TLOT) through intentional, Bible-based community fellowship and relationship. However, African American churches are moving away from community ministries to inside worshiping that does not fulfill God's agenda. As a result, the phenomenon of serving in isolation versus serving through community formation is incrementally deviating from the biblical worldview. This qualitative phenomenological study explores, community formation and effective leadership in African American churches in high-poverty communities in the aggregate city of Newark, NJ. This research aims to explore community formation and effective leadership in African …

Implementing And Marketing Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Practices And Resources: Creating The E‐Buzz!, Essraa Nawar, Kristin Laughtin-Dunker

Digital Initiatives Symposium

Leatherby Libraries Librarians are committed to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, researchers, and staff. We demonstrate this commitment holistically through the provision of all resources and services in support of teaching, learning, and research. Our goal is to reduce obstacles to accessing diverse research resources, services, learning, and engagement through educational outreach in order to raise awareness of diversity related issues.

In 2020, Library administration selected a Diversity and Outreach librarian that was charged with creating a comprehensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Outreach plan. As a result, a number of practices and initiatives …

Brewing Scholarly Connections: The Evolution Of Scholar Sips At Gs Libraries, Jessica L. Swaringen

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

The Scholar Sips lecture series at Georgia Southern University aims to facilitate student-faculty connections through intellectual exploration. Scholar Sips provides a space for faculty to present and discuss their recent, topical research with students who may or may not be in their classes already. Scholar Sips participants are also treated to complimentary coffee and tea. The library acts as a neutral third-space that levels the power dynamic between professor and student, positioning them both as explorers of a given topic. This presentation will describe the philosophical approach behind Scholar Sips, its gradual transformation over three semesters, as well as strategies …

Research, Instruction, And Student Outreach: Reflecting On Pandemic Changes For Growth In An Academic Library, Chelsea Riddle, Elizabeth H. Brown, Janet Calderon

Library Scholarship

While academic settings are often accused of moving more slowly than other industries, they are not immune to change. Academic libraries have had to adapt, pivot, react, and prepare for a variety of shifts within higher education. The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic forced adaptations in library services; in light of this, student expectations are changing, the field has seen significant turnover within the workforce, and faculty behavior has evolved. However, while the core and intention behind library services may stay consistent, delivery and process has changed. This article will discuss evolutions and changes in a mid-sized, comprehensive university library and how …

National Forage Week, B. Stefancik, K. Mullenix

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Social media can be a powerful tool for producers, researchers, and grassland professionals. Social media enables us to connect with a wide audience of producers, Extension personnel, colleagues, industry partners, and even the non-agriculture related community. This presentation in the thematic session on “Understanding the role of social media and digital resources in forage education and promotion” will focus on the impact of National Forage Week. National Forage Week is national campaign initiated by the American Forage and Grassland Council to promote forages and their contributions to society.

Role Of Social Media And Digital Resources In Extension, L. L. Baxter

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Social media and digital resources can be powerful tools for Extension personnel as they can enable forage-livestock researchers and Extension specialists to connect with a wide audience of producers, Extension personnel, colleagues, and industry partners. Online platforms that provide a space for Extension personnel to deliver timely information and digital resources have been critical for continuing producer education in today’s environment. This presentation in the thematic session on “Understanding the role of social media and digital resources in forage education and promotion” will focus on the role social media and digital resources play in Extension. There are a host of …

Choosing The Best Online Platform, L. L. Baxter, A. Best

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Social media is a powerful tool that enables forage-livestock researchers and Extension specialists to connect with a wide audience of producers, Extension personnel, colleagues, and industry partners. This presentation in the thematic session on “Understanding the role of social media and digital resources in forage education and promotion” will provide an overview of popular social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) and discuss how to transform impactful research and Extension programming into effective social content before leading into the panel discussion.

Role Of Social Media And Digital Resources In Forage Education, L. L. Baxter

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Social media and digital resources are powerful tools that enable forage-livestock researchers and Extension specialists to connect with a wide audience of producers, Extension personnel, colleagues, and industry partners. This presentation in the thematic session on “Understanding the role of social media and digital resources in forage education and promotion” will focus on the role digital resources play in forage education.

A Framework For Promoting Diverse Perennial Circular Forage Systems For More Resilient Agricultural Landscapes: Developing Extension And Educational Tools For Resilience And Sustainability, Cassida K. A., W. Lamp, S. Gruss

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The Resilience CAP Team seeks to use diverse, perennial, circular forage systems (DPCFS) to enhance biodiversity, improve soil and plant health, support ecosystem service, all towards achieving greater resilience to global change and improving the farm economy and quality of life. Our project will design a transdisciplinary framework that combines agronomic, ecological, economic, and sociological factors to achieve greater resilience and stability in agricultural systems through use of DPCFS. In this paper, we describe two of the project’s six objectives. Objective 5 is our extension/outreach arm where we will develop extension media, activities, and actionable decision tools to communicate concepts …

Libraries On The Inside: A Study Of Public Library Outreach To Correctional Institutions, Annaliese Melvin

SLIS Connecting

In 1911, the American Library Association (ALA) formed its first committee on prison libraries. While this committee opened the door to important conversations on correctional libraries, the ALA did not actively become involved in correctional systems until 1944, when the Objectives and Standards for Libraries in Adult Prisons and Reformatories were approved (Austin, 2019). The real catalyst for creating nationwide libraries for the incarcerated came in 1971, when “Congress passed the Law Enforcement Administration Act, which funded prison law libraries and provided budgets for other reading materials” (Sullivan, 2000, p. 57). This led to what was coined the “golden age …

40-Day Fit, A Journey For Heroes, Michael B. O'Neill

Doctor of Leadership

This project is a collective portfolio of discovery and development that explores the intersection of societal health and the vitality of the church, recognizing a state of decline in both areas. This critical, yet often overlooked issue, is the foundation of this research-driven initiative. It is a practical process of diagnosis and treatment of a problem or an opportunity, in context, leading to application. The portfolio project represents a journey of discovery and reframing, where research methods, strategic objectives, and project milestones guide the identification of needs, problems, and opportunities. These elements serve as the driving forces behind crafting solutions …

Marketing Synergy: Digital Product Development & Marketing Strategy, Laura M. Clague

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

An extension of Marketing Analytics class BMKT: 440, this research delves into marketing efforts employed to promote "Chubby’s Swatch Book," a plus-size fashion guide tailored for college girls and a college lifestyle. The guide was created by a college student to address the challenges faced by plus-size individuals in finding fashionable and fitting clothing. The study spans a four-week marketing campaign, focusing on branding, social media marketing, and content creation. This paper outlines the development of the "Chubby’s Swatch Book," it’s marketing strategies, and the effectiveness of said strategies through various metrics such as engagement rates, sales conversions, and follower …

Community Educational Session On Identifying The Signs Of Depression And Resources Available, Desiree Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The DNP Project was designed to educate the community on identifying the signs of depression and the community resources available to them. The intent of the project was to improve the community’s knowledge of depression symptoms and the community resources available that offer assistance to those dealing with these symptoms. There is a great need for education on depression signs, as many in various communities suffer from untreated depression, which often leads to negative outcomes. The impact of the project implementation was measured by using pre- and post-survey data evaluating the participants' overall knowledge of the signs of depression, stigma …

What’S Trust Got To Do With It? Exploring Agricultural Science Podcast Producers’, Guests’, And Listeners’ Perceptions And Levels Of Trust In Science, Jacqueline Aenlle, Jamie Loizzo, J.C. Bunch, Lisa K. Lundy, Kevin M. Folta

Journal of Applied Communications

Little research to this point has examined food, agricultural, natural resource, and human science (FANRHS) podcast creation, the trustworthiness of the information presented, and the credibility of the individuals speaking on the podcast. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of trust in science of FANRHS podcast producers, guests, and listeners. The study followed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design beginning with an online survey instrument to measure trust in science and later, semi-structured interviews to further explore participants’ perceptions of trust and trust in science. Results showed participants had moderate to moderately high levels of trust in …

A College Outreach Initiative To Connect Paine College Students With Thankful Baptist Church, Christopher J. Waters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

College students’ declining attendance and participation at Thankful Baptist Church is a growing concern for the congregation and its leadership. For over one hundred years the church has had a strong outreach to the students at Paine College, a local HBCU and private Christian institution. However, over the last five years Thankful Baptist Church’s outreach to Paine College students has declined significantly. This research project implemented training for ten outreach volunteers and six weeks of mentoring for ten Paine College students to revive the declined college ministry to Paine College into an active ministry which attracts and retains college students …

Improving Mental Health In Hispanic Communities, Paola Vargas

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

AIM Youth Mental Health is advocating for children who are suffering from lack of resources, guidance, and clinical research. The division implementing this project is the outreach program. The intern and team will passionately work together to make this event successful by creating bilingual fliers that share information about the agency's programs and training. Depression and suicide are the most common issues occurring in Monterey county as of today and has been affecting many families. Providing these resources will unite and educate professionals, parents, and students about school programs available for youths and measures for adults as well. The most …

A Miraculous Story Of A Family Restored, Mark D. Weinstein

News Releases

In east Los Angeles during an unusually harsh winter, a young man limped down the sidewalk alone, a light coat covering his shoulders, his feet bare and bloody. His hair was matted, and his skin was tainted with streaks of dirt.

The Spiritual Impact Of Disability On Parents And Caregivers, Grant Azbell

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This study was designed to examine the impact of disability on the faith and faith communities of parents and caregivers of persons experiencing disability. This study proceeded by asking nine parents or caregivers of persons experiencing disability a series of seven questions to evaluate the impact of disability on their faith and on their relationship to their faith community. The interviews were conducted on Zoom and the recordings were transcribed and coded to observe discernable patterns and themes amongst the participants. What emerged from the data is important for ministers, church leaders, and anyone wanting to know more about the …

Challenging The Notion Of Role Models In Engineering Outreach Programs For Youth, Kelli M. Paul, Karen Miel, Merredith D. Portsmore, Adam Maltese

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Engineering outreach programs often portray outreach educators as role models for youth. It is widely believed that introducing youth, especially girls, to potential engineering role models will broaden participation in engineering majors and careers. Based on interviews with and surveys of fourth- and fifth-grade girls participating in an engineering outreach program, we question whether youth are looking for career role models, and we challenge the assumption that youth will take up an adult as a role model simply because the adult is presented as such. We question what role these ‘‘models’’ play in the minds and lives of youth and …

Connecting With Alumni As An Academic Library, Ruth A. Monnier, Katy Kelly

Collaborative Librarianship

Existing literature about alumni and academic libraries describes fundraising or projects with Special Collections. This paper explores two different institutions' collaborations with alumni-focused departments in “friendraising” and building affinity for the library. The authors share their approaches to collaboration with various alumni projects.

Striving To Increase Bipoc Family Participation In Early Childhood Family Education, Ayuko Boomer

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Boomer, A. U. (2023). Striving to Increase BIPOC Family Participation in Early Childhood Family Education. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a public education program designed and available for all parents and families in Minnesota. Despite these intentions, many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families remain unaware of ECFE's existence and its significance. The purpose of this study is to understand the current methodologies of parent education outreach and collaboration with other programs, in particular, BIPOC communities, and explore and process what efforts have been made to increase BIPOC participation in traditional ECFE parent education group classes (non-affinity …

The Native Health Database: 1993-2022, Jonathan M. Pringle

Publications

Background: The Native Health Database (NHD) was created in the early 1990s and functioned for nearly three decades exclusively as an abstracting database; it provided text-based search results and in some cases embedded external links to full text content. Its purpose was (and continues to be) to provide information pertaining to the health and health care of Indigenous populations in North America—to myriad end users who in turn can use the content to improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

Case Presentation: The period of 1993-2022 is a significant period in the management of the NHD, demonstrating the relationship …

Partners In Graduate Student Retention: A Library-Led Outreach Collaboration, Ashley R. Lierman

Collaborative Librarianship

Past research has indicated that social connection with their community is an important factor in the retention of graduate students. To help address this need, a Rowan University librarian led an interdepartmental team of collaborators from across campus in developing a series of outreach events specifically for graduate students, which evolved over time to include more and richer programming and opportunities for socialization. This article describes the evidence basis for these events’ inception, the essential components of each iteration of the event and its programming, and the results of holding these events, including both their successes and their failures. Recommendations …

Culturally Sustaining Practices In Middle Schools, Chandra Diaz, Rebecca M. Nelson, Laurie A. Ramirez, Nancy B. Ruppert

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

The social unrest during the summer of 2020 in the United States has produced a renewed sense of urgency and agency for the interrogation of curriculum in K-12 education and the development of culturally sustaining practices. This urgency has encouraged more teacher preparation programs to be intentional in developing culturally sustaining teachers. This paper offers four pillars to frame classroom practices to be integrated holistically and support middle level preservice teachers’ development of their culturally sustaining practices. Pillar one focuses on understanding self. The ability to honestly self-reflect and to understand personal practice deeply and continually is critical. Pillar two …

Introducing High School Biology Students To Biochemistry With A Short, Content-Oriented Module, Archer Harrold, Allison Cruikshank, Bryan Penas, Rebecca Roston

Chemistry Department: Faculty Publications

Many STEM disciplines are underrepresented to High School students. This is problematic as many students' decisions for college are shaped by their experiences and achievements in high school. Short content-oriented modules have been shown to encourage science identity and otherwise benefit the students' learning. Following the ASBMB's outreach protocol, we developed a short content-oriented module aimed at a high school biology classroom. Students interacted with 3D models of DNA and transcription factors while exploring structure–function relationships and introductory biochemistry topics. The high school teacher was impressed with the students' response to the module, specifically the ease with which students learned, …

Addressing Food Insecurity Among Undocumented Immigrants In California – An Expansion And Outreach Approach, Duy Nhan T. Ho

Master's Projects and Capstones

A challenge that undocumented immigrants in California face with is the insecurity of food. The experience of food insecurity for undocumented immigrants is more than just a shortage of food, but rather it is the limited access and poor quality of food. Having accessibility to food is important for one’s wellbeing and in lowering the rate of other health disparities that is a public health problem. This paper will discuss the prevalence of food insecurity among undocumented immigrants in California and the barriers that they face with food assistance programs. Further discussion will focus on current interventions that are being …

Demystifying Ai: A Robot-Mediated Outreach Program, Tatiana Usova

Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences

Libraries are reinventing themselves to stay relevant. As librarians, we recognize the need to be creative to facilitate student learning in the digital age. This academic year Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar tested a new outreach program in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and the Robotics club. It was intended for the whole community but primarily for students from majors other than computer science, and relatively unfamiliar with coding and AI concepts. The purpose was to bring more students to the library, let them connect with each other, see a hi-tech side of library resources, try new things, …

Commentary On Producing Environmental Information From Stakeholder Engagement, Josh Rosa

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

This article provides practice-informed advice, guided by and responsive to theory, for policymakers who seek to improve their environmental policies by generating their own informational value from their interactions with stakeholders. First, the article explains a self-reinforcing opaqueness of conventional environmental policymaking and how this opaqueness disproportionately and cumulatively impacts underrepresented communities. Drawing from the literature of social ecology, political economy, and political methodology, the article adumbrates opaqueness’ contributions to environmental injustice and identifies potential benefits of a more informative approach to stakeholder engagement. Next, the article explains specific methods that policymakers can use to convert stakeholder input into greater …

Academic Health Sciences Libraries' Outreach And Engagement With North American Indigenous Communities: A Scoping Review, Allison B. Cruise, Alexis Ellsworth-Kopkowski, A Nydia Villezcas, Jonathan Eldredge, Melissa L. Rethlefsen

Publications

Objective: We sought to identify trends and themes in how academic health sciences libraries in the United States, Canada and Mexico have supported engagement and outreach with Native Americans, Alaska Natives, First Nations, and Indigenous peoples, in or from those same countries. We also sought to learn and share effective practices for libraries engaging with these communities.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review utilizing Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping reviews and followed principles from JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. We searched seven bibliographic databases, E-LIS (Eprints in Library and Information Science repository), and multiple sources of grey literature. Results …

Canada's Indigenous Health Information: Creating Collaborative Space For Archives And Community In The Native Health Database, Jonathan M. Pringle

Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.