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Using Media Equation Theory To Assess The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Technology In Organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging (Deib) Training, Michael L. Oetken May 2024

Using Media Equation Theory To Assess The Effectiveness Of Virtual Reality Technology In Organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging (Deib) Training, Michael L. Oetken

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The emergence of immersive virtual reality media technology is providing human beings with a new communication platform to engage beyond the traditional frameworks of video media, audio media, and static webpages on the Internet. These communication media technologies offer users an immersive environment in which they are able to communicate and interact with fellow human beings and non-human entities in life-like mannerisms. Most importantly, this technology also has the potential to bridge gaps and solve problems within the context of certain cultural and societal issues. The issue of communication deficiencies surrounding the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) …


Pedagogical Influences Of Ethnic Percussion Among Virginia Middle And High School Band Directors, Chad W. Brooks May 2024

Pedagogical Influences Of Ethnic Percussion Among Virginia Middle And High School Band Directors, Chad W. Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditional wind band and Western art classics are standard repertoire in the instrumental curriculum, as ethnic percussion is rarely incorporated. The inclusion of ethnic percussion can emerge as an alternative to concert programming, rehearsal techniques, and applications, enhancing the learning and aesthetic experience. This mixed-method study examined the inclusion of ethnic percussion pedagogy in the instrumental music curriculum. The research findings did indicate that the use of ethnic percussion is present within instrumental music programs in Virginia. A large percentage of directors were unsure of the aesthetic influences such as cultural awareness and peer interaction. This study also discussed methodologies, …


Ministry And Diversity In The City, William Thomas Feb 2024

Ministry And Diversity In The City, William Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri trains and develops men and women to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and His church. The church of Jesus Christ, biblically, is a multi-ethnic body comprised of men and women of every tribe, nation, language, and tongue. God’s intention is for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Though the mission of the church is clear, go and make disciples of all nations, Christian colleges have not always developed classes to equip ministry students to effectively minister across lines of racial, cultural, and socio-economic differences. This …


Improving Diversity And Inclusion Increasing Multiethnic Presence Within Religious Organizations, Marquita Nicole Davie Nov 2023

Improving Diversity And Inclusion Increasing Multiethnic Presence Within Religious Organizations, Marquita Nicole Davie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The program is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within a religious organization by increasing the participation of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. The validity of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement regarding the most segregated time in Christian America being Sunday mornings will be evaluated through observation, exploration, and scholarly articles. The Fort Leonard Wood Protestant Women of the Chapel will serve as a framework for program design and implementation. The program serves to boost the presence of multiethnic members and leaders by 10% and 5%, respectively. This program will adhere to a logic model that will include five …


The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of African American Female Faculty At Predominantly White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Jasmine L. Jackson Nov 2023

The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of African American Female Faculty At Predominantly White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Jasmine L. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological approach aims to understand the perceptions and lived experiences of African-American female faculty at predominantly White institutions and the strategies used to overcome barriers. The theory guiding this study is intersectionality theory, introduced by Kimberlè Crenshaw, discovering the multilayers of discrimination that women face and providing a template to encourage antidiscrimination. This theory adequately addresses the focus of this inquiry because it highlights the discrimination often experienced by African-American female faculty and the experiences of various individuals from the targeted population. This study's methodology was based on interviews with different African-American female faculty at predominantly White institutions. …


Integrating Dei Strategies Into Talent Acquisition To Recruit And Retain Women Of Color In Information Technology, Mia Rai Trahan Oct 2023

Integrating Dei Strategies Into Talent Acquisition To Recruit And Retain Women Of Color In Information Technology, Mia Rai Trahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigates the perceptions of hiring teams and women of color (WOC) in the Information Technology (IT) industry about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in talent acquisition practices. While many organizations advocate for DEI, the IT industry shows a notably disproportionate representation of WOC. The research utilized a qualitative approach to incorporate the viewpoints of 12 hiring professionals and 12 WOC from the IT field to uncover recruitment strategies to enhance DEI for WOC in technology positions. Data were collected through virtual interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study reveals a positive correlation between DEI initiatives and elevated …


A Case Study Of Diverse Faculty Recruitment In A Graduate Higher Education Institution, Miguel Valenzuela Sep 2023

A Case Study Of Diverse Faculty Recruitment In A Graduate Higher Education Institution, Miguel Valenzuela

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to describe higher education faculty’s experience with recruitment and retention through the university hiring process and to discover the equity standards of the phenomenon for higher education institutions. The importance of recruitment and retention of diverse faculty within higher education institutions is imperative for the health of the institution and will assist in furthering diversity initiatives for faculty recruitment that will enable better student experiences. The theory guiding this study was critical race theory (CRT) that was initially intended to be used in the legal field. However, CRT has been used in …


Elementary Music Teacher Preparation Gaps In Cultural Diversity: Exceptional Populations, Joshua Learn Sep 2023

Elementary Music Teacher Preparation Gaps In Cultural Diversity: Exceptional Populations, Joshua Learn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the extensive coursework and training in teacher preparation programs focusing on diverse populations, many teachers feel underprepared to meet the needs of emerging subcultures in the elementary music classroom. Over the years, the term diversity has grown beyond ethnicity and requires continued study and attention. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of elementary music educators about diverse populations of exceptional students with Other Health Impairments (OHI), defined as asthma, ADD, ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette syndrome, in their classrooms. The results of this study identify the existing …


Strategic Leadership For Managing Diversity, Amdy Diene Jun 2023

Strategic Leadership For Managing Diversity, Amdy Diene

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The changing workforce in organizations worldwide, including those in Africa, makes managing diversity a critical issue that must be a part of any organizational business strategy. This qualitative case study explored the success and failure of leadership strategies in managing diversity in organizations in the West African region and the adverse effects globalization, and ethnocentrism might have in managing diversity in the workplace. This study took place in Africa, and 15 participants from this West African organization participated in interviews and surveys. The data collection yielded themes the participants in the study thought could improve leaders' capabilities in managing a …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Underrepresentation Of Blacks In Leadership Roles In Professional Services Organizations, Marcia E. Stokes Apr 2023

A Phenomenological Study Of The Underrepresentation Of Blacks In Leadership Roles In Professional Services Organizations, Marcia E. Stokes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Blacks in professional services organizations who were promoted into leadership positions. The theories which guided this study were Spence’s theory on signaling and the Critical Race Theory (CRT). They provided lenses that were used to view the problem of access to advancements and promotions for Blacks in professional services organizations. The research design used for this study was qualitative, and the approach was hermeneutical phenomenological. The qualitative design provided an opportunity to gather the data by hearing the lived experiences of the participants and by capturing …


Predicting The Relationship Between Student, Faculty, And Institutional Diversity With Graduation Rates In Higher Education, Hridya C. Mondal Apr 2023

Predicting The Relationship Between Student, Faculty, And Institutional Diversity With Graduation Rates In Higher Education, Hridya C. Mondal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance and significance of diversifying higher education are undeniable. Research has examined that diversifying higher education may produce more graduates, predominantly minority students. However, more literature is needed on how diversifying faculty and students relate to and impacts overall undergraduate graduation rates in higher education in the United States. This study aimed to gauge the predictive relationships between student diversity, faculty diversity, institutional locale, enrollment size and admissions selectivity and construct a relationship with graduation rates. The study examined a random sample of 291 Title IV, four-year postsecondary institutions, and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) employed for the …


Exploring Target Marketing At Private Universities Directed To The Nontraditional Student Population, Connie Chester Christian Mar 2023

Exploring Target Marketing At Private Universities Directed To The Nontraditional Student Population, Connie Chester Christian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nontraditional Adult Learners exist worldwide. These potential students can improve self-confidence, increase their wages, and improve workforce opportunities with provided education opportunities. This current study explores value proposition within private institutions with the influence of marketing to the nontraditional adult learner. Exploration includes the challenges and constraints the nontraditional student faces and the impact these challenges present. Marketing programs directed to specific populations and the component that the marketing strategy implements for post-secondary educational opportunities.


An Examination Of The Influence Of Attitudes Toward Linguistic Diversity And Immigration Status On The Pastor’S Engagement In Multicultural Ministry, Juan Antonio Seda Dec 2022

An Examination Of The Influence Of Attitudes Toward Linguistic Diversity And Immigration Status On The Pastor’S Engagement In Multicultural Ministry, Juan Antonio Seda

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the growth in cultural diversity comes the opportunity to reach and minister to people from different cultural backgrounds. This diversity also highlights the challenges pastors and ministry leaders face in implementing efforts to reach people from diverse ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the pastor and ministry leader must understand how socio-political, theological, and biblical factors influence opinion and interaction with culturally diverse people. This cultural and linguistic interaction requires cultural humility, “a process of reflection and lifelong inquiry, involves self-awareness of personal and cultural biases as well as awareness and sensitivity to significant cultural issues of others. Core …


More Than A Single Story: Culturally Diverse Literature And Social Inclusion In Elementary Classrooms, Amanda Works Dec 2022

More Than A Single Story: Culturally Diverse Literature And Social Inclusion In Elementary Classrooms, Amanda Works

Senior Honors Theses

This paper aims to consider the existing literature regarding culturally diverse literature, social inclusion, and children’s literature as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. These three concepts form a conceptual framework that supports the research study, which explored the use of culturally diverse literature and any correlation with social inclusion. Four elementary teachers participated in semi-structured interviews focused on two research questions: “What impacts the use of culturally diverse literature in elementary classrooms?” and “Does culturally diverse literature affect social inclusion in elementary classrooms?”. Through thematic, qualitative analysis, the study identified three central themes: (1) levels of choice based on …


Diversity As An Influence On Talent Management And Competitive Advantage: The Absence Of Female African American Executive Leadership In The Insurance Industry, Lateisha Tamarra Rainey Jun 2022

Diversity As An Influence On Talent Management And Competitive Advantage: The Absence Of Female African American Executive Leadership In The Insurance Industry, Lateisha Tamarra Rainey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative research case study was to examine the extent of which the significance of diversity has on the representation of African American females in top-executive leadership positions. Furthermore, to comprehend why African American females are unfairly represented and disparaged in C-suite level positions. The purpose of this research was to study the influence that diversity may have on the insurance industry’s talent management and competitive advantage. To what degree do biases whether conscious or unconscious affect promotional opportunities, recruitment, selection, and hiring practices of African American females pursuing elevation to higher level positions within the insurance …


The Underrepresentation Of Minority Women In Senior-Level Positions Employed By The Federal Government, Amy M. Freeman Aug 2021

The Underrepresentation Of Minority Women In Senior-Level Positions Employed By The Federal Government, Amy M. Freeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand the underrepresentation of minority women in senior-level positions employed by the federal government. The study generated from the glass ceiling theory that has been previously studied and explored through different aspects related to barriers associated with discriminatory acts aimed at minorities and women. A thematic approach was utilized to display the data obtained from the participants, illustrating insufficient progress being made over the course of 40-plus years with regards to the advancement of minority women obtaining a senior-level role within the federal government. Participants defined their understanding of the glass ceiling and …


The Importance Of Strategic Communication For Building Employee Resource Groups In Aviation, Lynnette Darnell Jul 2021

The Importance Of Strategic Communication For Building Employee Resource Groups In Aviation, Lynnette Darnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this qualitative case study, the research explores the importance of strategic communication for building employee resource groups in aviation, specifically at a regional airline. To expand and develop knowledge regarding employee resource groups, the researcher looks at a widely distributed workforce to understand how the lack of strategically planned communication can impact employee resource group development and employee engagement. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a focus group of the employee resource group members, which provided insight on their experience engaging with the employee resource groups, preferred communication methods and tools, and their perception of leadership involvement. …


Development Of Spiritual Competency In Counseling: A Pilot Research Study Of Graduate Students At End Of Training, Rebecca Dawn Hill May 2021

Development Of Spiritual Competency In Counseling: A Pilot Research Study Of Graduate Students At End Of Training, Rebecca Dawn Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Researchers suggested religious practice and spirituality are multicultural or diversity counseling competencies. Professionals who treat religious and spiritual concerns are sought by a majority of clients. Religious and spiritual training is critical for the ethical treatment of the client, a part of developmental wellness and integrated holistic health theories, and also vital to optimum physical and mental health development. Yet, spiritual and religious competencies are often neglected in graduate studies, leaving counselors fearful and inadequately trained to address spiritual and religious concerns with clients. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) requires training in graduate education …


Multicultural Competence In Vocational Rehabilitation: The Role Of Multicultural Awareness Among Black Vrcs, Regina Walden Alston Feb 2021

Multicultural Competence In Vocational Rehabilitation: The Role Of Multicultural Awareness Among Black Vrcs, Regina Walden Alston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over the past 30 years In the United States, multiculturalism has expanded due to a larger number of diverse populations. In this qualitative research project, the researcher explored the multicultural awareness development of Black vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). The participants consisted of six Black VRCs. The data were analyzed using phenomenological theory methodology. In vocational rehabilitation, counselors are not considered competent unless they comprehend multicultural counseling competence, have the proper educational backgrounds, and are achieving successful employment outcomes with culturally diverse clients. Research shows that the component of multicultural awareness development is considered the promising, yet essential contributor to overall …


Raising Consciousness: Challenging Diversity In Christian Publishing, Michael Omari Johnson Dec 2020

Raising Consciousness: Challenging Diversity In Christian Publishing, Michael Omari Johnson

Masters Theses

The Christian publishing industry has overlooked the importance of diversity, particularly its impact on black American audiences. While studies show that diversity and inclusion can lead to more innovation through problem-solving, there persists a paradox where a lack of opportunities, disparities in wealth and employment and systemic prejudices can play a role in the ethnic and racial homogeneity of the Christian publishing industry. Thus, there are many barriers preventing people of color from emerging to the market, reflecting in the storytelling, content creation and audience of African-descent followers.


Exploring The Perceived Barriers That Create A Disadvantage For Black Women To Obtain Leadership Positions In The Finance And Investment Industry, Porscha L. Baines Oct 2020

Exploring The Perceived Barriers That Create A Disadvantage For Black Women To Obtain Leadership Positions In The Finance And Investment Industry, Porscha L. Baines

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on the barriers implied towards Black women when they pursue leadership opportunities in the finance industry, because the demographic is obtaining secondary level degrees at a high level rate, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. The organizational standards that may disqualify Black women from achieving promotional opportunities in the workplace were explored for insight into the workplace experiences of Black women to determine the barriers present in the work structure that may cause promotional obstacles for the demographic. Through conducting interviews, the experiences of Black women that have been promoted to leadership roles along with those who …


Congregational Singing In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church: An Examination Of Engagement, Anwar Gabriel Myron Ottley May 2020

Congregational Singing In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church: An Examination Of Engagement, Anwar Gabriel Myron Ottley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditionally, Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) congregations are known for a rich history of worship music. However, the 21st century has introduced an expanded variety of worship music to reflect a number of musical genres found in American culture. SDA worship leaders face the challenge of engaging their congregations with songs that are reflective of the diverse cultures and ages represented, as well as achieving a balance of newer music and music from the historical SDA tradition. Nevertheless, without intuitive song selection, worship leaders may encounter disengagement among congregants during the time of congregational singing. This quantitative descriptive study measured which elements …


American God Story: Creating Shared Cultural Context With Popular Television, Timothy Joseph Rosenberger Jan 2020

American God Story: Creating Shared Cultural Context With Popular Television, Timothy Joseph Rosenberger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Believers increasingly encounter a stark divide between their cultural contexts and those of the people they seek to evangelize. This divide is particularly pronounced in popular culture where the television, movies, music, and books that appeal to Christians often are radically different than those that appeal to mainstream Americans. Without a shared cultural language, and a shared network of cultural touch points, it can be challenging to form meaningful connection between, and amongst, church members and unchurched community members. This study pioneers an intervention in which church members, and unchurched community members, come together to view popular television episodes and …


Bridging The Racial Divide With A Viable Demonstration, Melvin Pride, Mark Myers Aug 2019

Bridging The Racial Divide With A Viable Demonstration, Melvin Pride, Mark Myers

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Using the Relational Cultural Theory, this presentation will explore the significance of intentional vulnerability, openness and communication on challenging long held cultural beliefs. The presentation consists of two men; one black, one white, exploring each other’s diverse cultural experiences posing a series of racially sensitive questions of each other.


The Impact Of College Readiness Programs On Black Students' Completion Of College Programs: A Case Study, Tony R. Ryals Jun 2019

The Impact Of College Readiness Programs On Black Students' Completion Of College Programs: A Case Study, Tony R. Ryals

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic multiple case study is to investigate the impact of college readiness programs on the persistence of Black college graduates. The theory guiding this study is Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivational Design. This theory was used to determine the motivation of former college readiness program participants and their persistence to college completion. Keller’s ARCS model of motivational design will act as the framework of this research to answer the research questions: How does participation in a college readiness program impact participant persistence through college and how do participants describe their motivation as it relates to persisting …


The Benefits And Importance Of Collaboration And Diversity In A Performing Arts Education, Karah Rushing Apr 2019

The Benefits And Importance Of Collaboration And Diversity In A Performing Arts Education, Karah Rushing

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis will explore the advantages of providing students with a diversified Performing Arts Education in which collaboration between art forms enhances students’ overall artistic abilities. In exploration of this topic, data was collected regarding how the training in each performing art form uniquely benefits a student. The information was gathered from interviews with Kindergarten through Twelfth-grade performing arts teachers, as well as from research which addresses how a student’s capabilities can be enhanced through a Performing Arts Education. The results of implementing differing teaching methods involving a collaboration between art forms show that a diversified Performing Arts Education is …


A Case Study Describing Practices And Beliefs Of Teachers Who Are Effective In Their Classroom Behavior Management In A Diverse Rural School System In Georgia, Busani Siphambili May 2017

A Case Study Describing Practices And Beliefs Of Teachers Who Are Effective In Their Classroom Behavior Management In A Diverse Rural School System In Georgia, Busani Siphambili

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this nested case study was to describe the practices and beliefs of teachers who are effective in their behavior management with minority students (African American) in three rural schools. This study was shaped by Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural behavior theory that states that learning is a social process and the origination of human intelligence in society or culture. It also emphasizes that the development of thinking is a shared process, not an individual one, and that children learn by participating and sharing other people’s frame of reference. Social interactions play an important role in the development of cognition. …


Desiring Diversity: A Phenomenological Approach To Understanding The Experiences Of K-12 Educators Who Volunteer For The District's Diversity Committees, Lisa A. Lindley Jun 2015

Desiring Diversity: A Phenomenological Approach To Understanding The Experiences Of K-12 Educators Who Volunteer For The District's Diversity Committees, Lisa A. Lindley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the United States, K-12 public school classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language, exceptionalities, religion, family, socioeconomic status and political backgrounds. Achievement gaps between students in these diverse subgroups and typical White students have prompted educational leaders to identify strategies to improve academic performance across all subgroups. One area of focus in K-12 school districts has been on improving inclusiveness through the utilization of school diversity committees. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of K-12 educators in their role as volunteers on a diversity committee at the All Inclusive School …


The Effects Of A Service Learning Introductory Course In Diversity On Pre-Service Teachers Attitudes' Toward Teaching Diverse Students, Dawn Jacoby Lucas Nov 2011

The Effects Of A Service Learning Introductory Course In Diversity On Pre-Service Teachers Attitudes' Toward Teaching Diverse Students, Dawn Jacoby Lucas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of a service-based course in diversity on pre-service teachers attitudes toward the inclusion of diverse learners (ethnically, socioeconomically, and disabled) in the general classroom. One-hundred and ten students at a private liberal arts university in North Carolina completed the Pluralism and Diversity Attitude Assessment (PADAA) to measure pre-service teachers' attitudes toward including cultural diverse students in the general education classroom, the Opinions Relative to Integration (ORI) instrument to measure pre-service teachers' attitudes toward including disabled students in the general education classroom, and a short demographic survey Results indicate an introductory class has impact in improving …