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When “A Haircut Is Not Just A Haircut”: The Embodied Deconversions Of Former Pentecostal And Holiness Women, Casey Renee Kellogg

Masters Theses

Women of Pentecostal and Holiness belief traditions are known for embodying their faith through a set of dress standards which prevent women from cutting their hair, prohibit any form of pants, jewelry, or makeup, and require they adopt various forms of “modest” attire. While there has been significant scholarship on the social and personal significance of women’s religious dress among church members, there is little to no information about how former Pentecostal and Holiness women perceive these dress standards. Furthermore, while scholars have explored the concept of deconversion, specifically as told through narrative from a more general vantage point, there …

An Exploratory Study Of The Career Mobility Patterns Of African American Women Working In Public Parks And Recreation Agencies, Chermaine Cole

Doctoral Dissertations

African American (AA) women are among the most underrepresented and under-researched groups in the parks and recreation profession. The purpose of this study is to explore the career mobility patterns of AA women currently working in public parks and recreation agencies. To achieve this purpose, the study examines the career mobility patterns of 169 AA women over a five-year period. The study also examines their ascent into executive leadership positions in their profession. The following research questions guided the study: (1) What job positions and classifications are held by a sample of AA women currently working in public parks and …

“In The Skin I’M In…I Represent A Different Version Of What Help Looks Like:” Black Women Sport Psychology Professional’S Experiences In Applied Sport Psychology, Sharon R. Couch

Doctoral Dissertations

Black Feminist Applied Sport Psychology (BFASP) is a culturally inclusive theoretical framework for centering Black women’s experiences in applied sport psychology (Carter et al., 2020; Couch et al., 2022). For the past two decades, (White) Feminist applied sport psychology professionals (FASPPs) described the experiences of Black women as unique but were overlooked in research and participant pools due to the prioritization of White women's and Black male sport experiences. (Carter & Davila, 2017; Carter & Prewitt-White, 2014; Gill, 2020; Hyman et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to explore the life and work experiences of BASPPs (i.e., faculty, …

The Career Experience Of Women In Senior-Level Leadership Positions Within Power 5 Intercollegiate Athletic Departments: A Phenomenological Study, Lynsey Miller

Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the career experiences of women in senior-level leadership positions within Power 5 intercollegiate athletic departments. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data from eight senior-level female administrators working in Power 5 athletic departments. Four themes emerged from data analysis, including pathway to senior-level leadership, mentorship and support, stereotypes, and intersectional constraints. This research adds to the body of existing literature by further addressing the experiences of underrepresented groups within intercollegiate athletics administration, particularly within the Power 5 conferences. Theoretical contributions and practical implications for the career experiences of women …

“Effortful”: Narratives Of Women Working In Higher Education During Covid-19, Miranda N. Rutan

Masters Theses

The novel coronavirus, Covid-19, brought unknown consequences (e.g., short- and long-term health effects, mortality rate, and infection rates) to the United States in 2020. With the physical spaces of businesses shutting down and reliance on virtual and remote spaces, implications of the virus’ effects encompassed multiple areas such as health, wellbeing, and finances. Caregivers, predominantly occupied by women, balanced increases to both paid and unpaid labor. This narrative inquiry collected the experiences of four women working in higher education during the pandemic. These narratives were collected to explore the effects of added responsibilities on women through an ethics of care …

The Lived Resettlement Experience For Single Refugee Mothers From The Democratic Republic Of Congo, Lauren Michelle Mefford

Doctoral Dissertations

At least 72% of the 50,000 Congolese refugees resettled in the USA in the last 5 years are women and children. Many are single refugee mothers (SRM) disadvantaged by obstacles (i.e., childcare) that hinder them from becoming self-sufficient within the required timeframe post-resettlement. Published research on resettlement has focused general challenges, but an understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of SRMs is lacking. This phenomenological, qualitative study provides insight into the lived resettlement experience for SRMs from the Democratic of Congo (DRC). Participants (n=7) were recruited from a refugee resettlement agency in East Tennessee and partook in open-ended, unstructured …

Women In Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics (Stem): Pre-College And College Factors Of Success, Jada Russell

Doctoral Dissertations

Scholars have reported that the competitiveness and innovation of the United States’ workforce in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM] fields are critical to maintaining our nation’s security and economic edge (Chen, 2009; Carlone & Johnson, 2007; Espinosa, 2011). Indeed, STEM is one of the fastest growing fields in the employment industry, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce (Langdon, et. al, 2011), and between 2008 and 2018, the number of STEM jobs is expected to increase 17%. Fostering learning pathways for all individuals interested in pursuing careers and education in STEM disciplines is necessary for us to meet the …

The Evolution Of Defining Rape In The United States, Sophia Rhoades

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Breaking Stereotypes: A Call For A New Movement To Empower The Homeless, Abigail Grace Anderson

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Criminal Justice Contact, Racial Discrimination, And Health, Tanner Kilpatrick

Masters Theses

A sizeable body of research has shown that contact with the criminal justice system increases the risk for a variety of physical and mental health problems. However, less is known about mechanisms through which criminal justice contact increases the risk for health problems, particularly for women. This study extends research on criminal justice contact and health by examining the mediating role of racial discrimination. I hypothesized that racial discrimination would mediate the association between criminal justice contact (arrest, jail or prison) and mental health (depressive symptoms, overall mental health) and physical health (overall general health, doctor diagnosed health issues), and …

Women Of The South: A Creative Exploration Of The Identity Of Women In The Southeastern U.S., Catherine Sharp

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

A Grounded Theory Inquiry Into Crying In Women Dealing With The Emotional Stress Of Personal Crisis, Mary Bess Griffith

Doctoral Dissertations

The belief that crying leads to healing is so widely held and of such longstanding that many healthcare professionals—including nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists—accept it as fact even though there is little substantiating scientific evidence. Crying is commonly believed to be an essential factor in restoring mind-body equilibrium after physical and/or emotional trauma has been experienced. If, as has been hypothesized by many scientists and healthcare practitioners, emotional crying is a biopsychosocial healing modality, then specifics of its therapeutic praxis, including limitations and ambiguities, should be incorporated into nursing education and practice. In this grounded theory study, the meaning and …

Mujer, Tradición Y Conciencia Histórica En Gertrudis Gómez De Avellaneda, Ana Lydia Barrios

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation studies the historical consciousness in the literary production of Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda (1814, Cuba – 1873, Spain). The numerous novels, plays, and legends, as well as articles written by her, display an array of female characters selected from history, traditions, and the Bible. This focus of women undoubtedly shows the author’s concern with the condition of women in society, which transcends her own time and place in history, nineteenth century Spain, as her stories attempt to establish a connection between herself and her readers, and women of different times in history. In doing so, Gómez de Avellaneda’s …

The Role Of Mentoring For Women In Upper Management In The National Basketball Association (Nba), Manuela Picariello

Doctoral Dissertations

Despite years of progress by women in the workforce, climbing the corporate ladder is still a very daunting task for most women (Eagly & Carli, 2007; Evans, 2010; McKinsey Report, 2013), and occupational segregation still exists (Davidson & Burke, 2011). Research studies have reported that mentoring in general is critical to upward mobility (Allen, Eby, O’Brien, & Lentz, 2008; Allen, Eby, Poteet, Lentz, & Lima, 2004; Eby, Allen, Evans, Ng, & DuBois, 2008). To date there has not been a study with a focus on mentoring and female executives in professional sport. In the 2014 Racial and Gender Report Card …

An Exploration Of Us Ncaa Division I (Di) Female Soccer Players’ Perceptions Regarding Morality In Sport, Terilyn Chiemi Shigeno

Doctoral Dissertations

To date, little research exists with regard to how athletes think about morality within sport (e.g., Bredemeier & Shields, 1984, 1986; Kavussanu, 2007, 2008; Shields & Bredemeier, 1995; Weiss, 1987), and even less exists which explores the concepts of bracketed morality or game reasoning within sport contexts (e.g., Bredemeier & Shields, 1984, 1986; Kavussanu, Boardley, Sager, & Ring, 2013. The same is true for research related to sport moral identity (e.g., Bredemeier & Shields, 1984, 1986; Kavussanu, 2007, 2008; Kavussanu, Willoughby, & Ring, 2012; Sage & Kavussanu, 2010; Sage, Kavussuanu, & Duda, 2006; Shields & Bredemeier, 1995; Weiss, 1987) …

Les Auteures Surréalistes : French And Francophone Women Surrealist Writers -- Joyce Mansour, Valentine Penrose And Gisèle Prassinos, Maitland Sierra Dunwoody

Masters Theses

The notion of the “author” and the purpose of its existence have been the subject of many contemporary debates, with Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault as key. For Barthes, language defines a literary work and the author is relegated to a minor place. And he believes that certain movements, surrealism as an example, effectively aided in the “death” of the author. Though that may sometimes be the case, within the movement of surrealism the author and their language are of almost equal importance – which differs entirely from Barthes’ view considering his notions on the surrealist movement and authorship. In …

Exploring Adversity And The Potential For Growth Among Female Ironman Competitors, Emily Joann Johnson

Masters Theses

Over the years, only a handful of researchers have systematically examined the experiences of female triathletes (e.g. Cronan & Scott, 2008). Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore adversity and the potential for growth among female Ironman competitors. By looking at empowerment, athletic potential, and growth through adversity, the goal was to gain a clearer understanding of how female athletes utilize adversity to grow into empowered athletes and achieve their athletic potential. Seven female Ironman athletes were interviewed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA); IPA is centered on exploring peoples’ lived experiences, the meaning of their experiences, and …

Experiences Of Female High School Head Coaches, Kathleen A. Mcinnis

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Where Are The Women?: A Study Of Gender Disparity In Supply Chain Management, Elizabeth C. Nguyen 7741669

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Stress, Coping, And Well Being Of African American College Women: A Grounded Theory Study, Christine R. Hannon

Doctoral Dissertations

African American women are a rapidly growing population on college campuses. Though enrollment trends suggest an increase in African American women’s pursuit of educational attainment, they face unique challenges and obstacles (National Center for Education Statistics, 2011). Researchers have noted that stressful life events have detrimental effects on the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of college students (Greer & Brown, 2011; Reynolds, Sneva, & Beehler, 2010; Hall et al., 2006; Larson, 2006; Andrews & Wilding, 2004; Nonis et al., 1998; Shapiro et al., 1998; Cohen & Herbert, 1996; Van Eck et al., 1996). Research focused on the unique challenges of …

“/Entee Min Faine/? [Where Are You From?]": The Rhetoric Of Nationality Of Muslim Women In The American Southeast, Bushra Mohammad Malaibari

Doctoral Dissertations

Nationality is a powerful modern concept. It allows people legal and political rights, but nationality is also rooted in our language. Nationality is essential to designate populations together as an entity. But in America, where individualism is essential, nationality can be expressed in various ways. Historically, there is little research done on the construction of nationality from a rhetorical lens. This project aims to investigate that very issue. Moreover, the sampled population was Muslim women in the American Southeast to rarify and observe a marginalized group. The primary research question of this project is, “How do Muslim women articulate their …

From Victims To Actors: Women's Struggle For Agency In Defeated Germany, 1945, Kelsey Fritz

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

You Kind Of Have To Prove It: Gender Microaggressions Within The Lived Experiences Of Women In Engineering, Crystal Rose Diaz-Espinoza

Doctoral Dissertations

This intrinsic case study explored the lived experiences of women within three engineering majors at a mid-sized institution in the Mid-Atlantic using gender microaggressions (Nadal, 2010; Sue, 2007) as a theoretical lens. Data included individual interviews with 28 participants as well as document review from Web pages and observations from physical spaces within the campus engineering building. Data analysis resulted in seven themes in congruence with Sue’s (2007) taxonomy of gender microaggressions and further established the three levels of gender microaggressions distinguished by Nadal (2010). Findings also revealed that barriers within engineering were less visible or outwardly sexist, and that …

Undergraduate Women In The Stem Fields And The Use Of Academic Library Resources And Services, Rebecca O'Kelly Davis

Doctoral Dissertations

Women majoring in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are few in number. This research will be conducted in an effort to understand the use of academic library resources and services by undergraduate women in the STEM fields. Data collection methods consisted of three focus groups and five interviews with undergraduate women in the STEM fields, and three focus groups and two interviews with academic librarians and library staff familiar with library resources and services in each of the STEM fields conducted at a Research I University in the USA. Grounded theory principles provided a basis for the …

Empowering Women And Girls Through Sports: An Evaluation Of A U.S. Department Of State Sports Diplomacy Initiative, Alexis Morgan Skaggs

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

L'Altérité Des Femmes Dans La Littérature Française Contemporaine, Loren Lee

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

It's A Woman's World: Feminist Themes From Pride And Prejudice To The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Amber Naz Haydar

Masters Theses

The overall objective of It’s a woman’s world: Feminist themes from Pride and Prejudice to The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is to examine the feminist themes present in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and their representation in Bernie Su and Hank Green’s recent web series adaptation of Austen’s novel, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. There is first discussion of the critical conversation regarding Austen’s position as a feminist, as well as background on The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Analysis of the feminist themes present in novel and, subsequently, adaptation, follows, and the project concludes with a discussion of some of the …

Womanhood: A Mini-Series, Maggie E. Solomon

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Mirror In The Dark: Poems, Carolyn Rose Stice

Doctoral Dissertations

Sentiment in verse has a long and complicated history throughout which it has fluctuated in and out of vogue depending upon the tastes of the time. A poem that is too “sentimental” is one in which the author relies too heavily on emotion to incite a stereotypical response in the reader. In this type of writing emotion is emphasized at the expense of craft. Conversely, when sentiment is consciously used as a tool it can help to infuse writing with active and genuine emotion which help to broaden a reader’s understanding of a poem. The emotion is an active and …

Annie Oakley, Gender, And Guns: The "Champion Rifle Shot" And Gender Performance, 1860-1926, Sarah Russell

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.