Education Commons^™

Academic Library Leadership And Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Sabrina Nicole Thomas

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Prior to the pandemic academic library leadership faced a host of challenges, such as budget shortfalls, serials crisis, shifting and evolving technologies and patron expectations. These long-term obstacles were compounded by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic which required library deans and directors to implement ever evolving safety measures while balancing the needs of library employees, students, faculty, and staff. The mental health of academic librarians and staff has long been the subject of research; however, few studies focused on the mental health experiences of academic library deans and directors. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis is to describe …

An Analysis Of Undergraduate Student Satisfaction, Retention, And Graduation By Instructional Modality And Racial/Ethnic Groups, Kevin Daniel Struble

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study investigated whether instructional modality in an undergraduate degree program, either traditional on-campus or asynchronous online, and racial/ethnic group could predict students’ reports of satisfaction with the institution, retention year-over-year, and graduation within an eight-year award rate. Data from surveys and enrollment status were collected on undergraduate students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program by instructional modality over a timespan of eight academic years at a single institution. The researcher analyzed categorical predictor variables of instructional modality and racial/ethnic groups with the dichotomous outcome variables of low or high satisfaction, did not or did retain, and did not or …

Causes Of Burnout And Job Dissatisfaction Among Marketing And Communications Intercollegiate Athletics Employees, Ricky L. Ray

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to better understand the role burnout plays in turnover intention and job dissatisfaction among marketing and communications employees in intercollegiate athletics. A secondary aim was to identify to what extent were job requirements, compensation, and expectations of administrators and coaches driving burnout in these employees. Study participants came from those currently working in marketing and/or communications at various levels of intercollegiate competition. The study used the Oldenberg Burnout Inventory, as well as specific questions related to the profession to uncover major causes of burnout in this particular occupation. Findings from this study supported the …

Take Their Feet Off Our Necks: A Descriptive Study Of Sexual Harassment In Higher Education, Megan Michelle Bolter

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examines survivors’ perceptions of sexual harassment experienced as members of higher education (e.g., faculty, staff, students, and administrators). Individually, an examination of the survivors’ perceptions of perpetrator consequences and how institutional responses occurred. This study aims to provide insight into the survivors’ experiences and understandings of sexual harassment experiences, further than the well-established health and career consequences. I utilized the Sexual Harassment in the Academy data set created by Dr. Karen Kelsky. In this study, there is a sample of 1,230 members of higher education who experienced sexual harassment. The sample of self-identified sexual harassment survivors allows the …

Retention Issues In Nonprofit University Foundations, Sarah Kay

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Turnover of major gift officers (MGOs) within university foundations has been a problem for foundations and their affiliated universities. Turnover of MGOs results in less fundraised dollars, fewer donor-fundraiser relationships, and higher incomings costs. Retention of MGOs is vital for foundations’ success and directly correlates to the overall prosperity of the respective university. The purpose of this descriptive, non-experimental study that utilized a cross-sectional survey design was to examine perceptions of currently employed MGOs, in the interest of determining what was important to them to remain employed at their nonprofit university foundation. Using a web-based survey, data showed MGOs need …

Transitioning From Faculty To Administration: A Qualitative Study Of Administrators In 4-Year Institutions, Matthew H. Bradley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to better understand the faculty to administration transition process and elements which affect this process in West Virginia’s 4-year colleges and institutions. A secondary aim of this study was to provide a formal model for faculty who transition to administrative roles in higher education. Study participants came from 4-year degree-granting higher education institutions in West Virginia. The study used a qualitative phenomenological design to investigate elements of the process used when faculty members transition to administrative roles. Findings from this study supported the majority of literature reviewed for this research and aided in developing …

Librarians In An Austerity Environment, Thomas L. Walker Ii

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods used by library administrators to maintain collections to support programs at Carnegie institutions classified R1, R2, D/PU: Doctoral/Professional Universities (formerly R3) with varying degrees of research activity and selected M1 (i.e., Masters Large) institutions, and compare those data.

Public institutions of higher education have seen mandatory state budget cuts for more than 20 years, with each year’s cut being larger than the previous. These statewide education cuts have affected academic libraries in a major way, resulting in purchasing cutbacks, decreased subscription renewals and cancellations.

Purchasing cutbacks have meant fewer physical book …

Advisor Perceptions Of Technology In Academic Advising Practices In West Virginia Educator Preparation Programs, Kandice Kaye Rowe

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this research was to gain, from the academic advisor’s perspective, an understanding of what technologies are being used in advising practices, the effectiveness of these technologies, and advisors’ perceptions of quality advising set forth by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized to connect academic advisors’ perceptions of the usage of technology while participating in the advising experiences. Through a combination of purposeful and snowballing sampling techniques, academic advisors from fourteen educator preparation programs in West Virginia were chosen to participate in this study. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were …

Diverse Perspectives On The Living-Learning Community Experience At A Large Public University, Amy Griffin Lorenz

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the specific experiences and program characteristics that students, faculty, and staff experience in the living-learning communities. This paper summarizes the findings of a program evaluation inclusive of a survey and interview protocol on the student, faculty, and staff experiences in living-learning communities (LLCs) at a large, public university in the southeast. The study employed a mixed methods design including a student survey and faculty/staff interviews. Data shows LLC students value the living-learning community experience and have positive experiences with the LLC academic and social climate and believe their peers support the diverse …

Faculty And Administrator’S Perspective On Degree Completion Initiatives In The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Jennifer Hammonds

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this research is to better understand the factors in students’ lives that determine why they fail to earn a degree and how institutions retain or recruit back stopouts for completion of certificates and degrees. Degree completion is a national, state, and institutional priority as all groups are falling short on meeting degree attainment goals. Currently, there is an abundance of literature on why students stopout. The literature does not directly propose strategies that would increase degree completion or determine the necessary faculty and staff training needed to implement those strategies. This research helps fill the gap in …

An Examination Of Employer Evaluations Of Student Participants In A Cooperative Education Program, Candice Grace Clendenin Stadler

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined employer evaluations of engineering student participants in a cooperative education program from research conducted on a small, rural, public university. Specifically, the data was derived from science, engineering, mathematics, and technology (STEM) programs. Historically, little research exists on employer perceptions of participants of cooperative education programs. Thus, a review of the literature examined the following areas: experiential education, cooperative education and work-based learning, implications of cooperative education and internships, history of cooperative education, implications for engineering majors, and employer perceptions of employability skills. More specifically, the research examined employer perceptions of cooperative education students in bachelor degree …

Student Attributes Related To Dual Enrollment Baccalaureate Degree Outcomes In A Rural State, Charles Scott Inghram

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A decrease in West Virginia in-state college-going and graduation rates and a need for additional postsecondary degrees in the workforce in the state by 2020 require the support and implementation of an evidence-based intervention to ameliorate the pressing issue. This study considers the outcomes in regard to persistence and completion of West Virginia students enrolled in public baccalaureate degree granting institutions in the state who entered as first-time, full-time freshmen during the 2010 academic year with dual enrollment credit. The population of the study was drawn from preexisting data provided by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Propensity score …

Career Paths, Barriers, And Professional Experiences: A Comparison Study Of Physical Therapy Program Directors In The United States, Tamara Nancy Gravano

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The entry-level degree for physical therapists today is a professional doctoral degree. It is similar to a medical degree program where the expected outcome of its graduates is clinical practice, and there is no formal training in academic teaching or administration. The purpose of this study was to determine the leadership characteristics, styles, and behaviors of accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program directors (PD) and to gain a better understanding of their preparation and path to program leadership. The survey instrument was sent electronically to all program directors of accredited DPT programs in the United States (N=233) and the …

Effectiveness Of An Online Ferpa Training Program, Sonja G. Cantrell

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This two-phase study focuses primarily on improving faculty and staff knowledge as it relates to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Phase one of the study examined the current FERPA training practices at four year, public higher education institutions in West Virginia via an interview process, using a mixed quantitative and qualitative design. Phase two of the study determined the effectiveness of an online comprehensive FERPA training module as compared to an online simple notification of the FERPA regulation module, and whether either significantly increased the level of FERPA knowledge among faculty and staff at one …

The Effects Of Students' Perceptions Of Campus Safety And Security On Student Enrollment, Brian Andrew Carrico

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this research was to determine whether student enrollment is affected by the student perception of campus safety and security when choosing a college. As the competition for students increases among higher education institutions, it is important for higher education administrators to know how to effectively present their respective institution and all of its attributes to prospective students. The targeted sample for this study was freshmen from a regional university in the mid-eastern states who are enrolled in new student seminar classes. The research questions were designed to provide information regarding the extent to which the perceptions of …

A Case Study : The Perception Of Higher Education Administrators At Historically Black Colleges And Universities On The Importance Of Academic Student Organizations As A Retention Technique, Sherri Lynn Shafer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This is a mixed methods study looking at the perception of student affairs administrators on the value of student academic organizations as a retention technique at historically black colleges and universities. The study is based on survey responses from administrators throughout the United States utilizing a researcher developed survey tool. Despite long standing research, findings suggest that administrators perceive some value in such organizations, although they are not administrator’s first choice as a retention technique. Administrators indicate that their roles in retention within the office of student affairs vary, as do retention plans. Furthermore, they specify that barriers limiting the …

Higher Education Administrators' Perspective On Service Learning, Briana Cicero-Johns

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

An economic downturn beginning in late 2007 has led to decreased funding and greater competition to recruit and retain students in higher education. Service-learning, while demonstrated to be an effective recruiting and retention strategy, could fall victim to budgetary constraints – thus undermining institutions’ historical commitment to service and engagement – unless administrators are convinced of its value. This study examined administrators’ perspectives on the perceived financial benefits, if any, that accrue to the institution from the implementation of service-learning courses and programs, and whether service-learning requirements are perceived to contribute to student learning, recruitment, retention, and fundraising.

The study …

Policymakers' Perceptions On The Application Of Research Evidence In The Policymaking Process Within West Virginia's Higher Education System, Christopher Treadway

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this descriptive, mixed-method study was to explore the role that research evidence plays in policy-related decision-making within West Virginia’s higher education system, policymakers’ perceptions on the reliability and usefulness of various sources of information, and their insights related to factors that facilitate and/or impede the use of research evidence. Using data obtained through an internet-based questionnaire administered to more than 100 higher education policymakers, the study resulted in several notable findings, many of which reinforced similar findings uncovered in the review of the literature.

Most researchers agree that the results of high-quality research can be a tremendous …

Assessing The Readiness Of Higher Education To Instruct And Support Students With Asperger's Disorder, L. Marc Ellison

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study explores the current ability of higher education to effectively educate and support college students diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder. As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders increased dramatically during the past decade, it is estimated that tens of thousands of individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder are preparing to enter colleges and universities in the United States. Emerging research details specific service systems and resources necessary to effectively educate and support college students with Asperger’s Disorder. Public, four-year institutions of higher education were surveyed (N=578) to assess their current readiness to use identified best-practice methods of support with this student …

Presidential Succession Planning For Governing Boards In Higher Education, Timothy L. Channell

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined desired characteristics presidents of colleges and universities exhibit through the perspective of the governing board chairperson. Three overarching characteristics investigated in this study were leadership ability, the ability to articulate a defined mission, and the ability to work with others. Comparisons were made between characteristic-determining questions to institution type and institution size. Participants were selected from a random sample of regional public colleges and universities and public community colleges that held membership in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Association of Community Colleges, respectively. Through the use of the Multi-Factor Leadership Questionnaire …

A Descriptive Study Of Multicultural Sensitivity At Two Rural Higher Education Institution Settings Through A Survey Of Those Institutions' Faculty, Sumeeta Patnaik

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The study examined the placement of faculty on the Continuum of Multicultural Sensitivity at two rural higher education institutions located in the Appalachian region, which includes the states of Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. This placement determined whether there were any significant differences among faculty members based on age, race, gender, income level, educational level, length of time at the institution, length of time in higher education and tenure. By measuring these differences along a continuum, the researcher was able to identify areas where faculty needed to improve their multicultural sensitivity and multicultural responsivity. The …

Factors Influencing College Decision-Making For First-Generation Appalachian Students, Kristy Lynn Wood

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This investigation determined the degree of importance for selected personal-psychological, academic, peer, financial, and family factors influencing the decision to attend college by first-generation, Appalachian (FGA) sophomore students. Outcomes were further related to the degree of academic and social integration in college and the likelihood of participants returning (persisting) to the next term or year. Participants were a purposeful group of 3,264 sophomores enrolled at three universities. Data were collected using the Transition to College Survey (TCS), which participants completed via an email invitation. Two-hundred, seventy-three responded (273) as follows: 110 (41%) first-generation status, 214 (78%); Appalachian status and 90 …

The Economics Of Perception: Potential Effect Regarding Institutional Uses Of Recovered Facilities And Administrative Costs Upon A Faculty Member's Decision To Engage In Sponsored Research Activity, Anne Elizabeth Hatfield

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

There is one aspect of sponsored research associated with higher education’s research enterprise that often places the institution’s research administrators and the institution’s faculty members in conflict with each other: the recovery of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs associated with sponsored research projects (Sedwick, 2009; Wimsatt, Trice & Langley, 2009). Typically, the source of this conflict is the institution’s assorted uses of recovered F&A costs as unrestricted revenue by the college or university (Cole, 2007; Mitteness & Becker, 1997; Sedwick, 2009; Wimsatt, et al., 2009). Sedwick extended the notion that “perhaps no other category of funding for the research enterprise …

Trait And Situational Variables Affecting Communication Channel Preferences In College Students, Britt Alan Frye

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

As more and more interpersonal communication is being conducted via mediated communication channels, important theoretical questions about the impact of this shift in the use of communication media are raised. This study began the process of exploring the implications of the shift in channels used in interpersonal communication situations by examining several factors that previous research has linked to important aspects of relationship development and maintenance. Specifically, respondents were surveyed about their preferred channel of communication in four types of interpersonal communication situations that reflect varying levels of interpersonal comfort in association with communication locus of control scale (CLOC) scores. …

A Case Study Of First-Year Persistence Of Marshall University Freshmen, Beth Anne Pauley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

College enrollment is rising but there has not been a corresponding increase in graduation rates. Nationwide, 30% of students who enter college do not return for their sophomore year. This case-study was conducted to determine what factors influenced the first-year persistence of the 2009 Marshall University freshmen cohort. This research used extant data from two MAP-Works surveys and Marshall University’s student academic management system. Data from a cohort of 467 students were analyzed using logistical regression to determine which factors, if any, were statistically significant predictors of persistence. Logistic regression analysis produced statistically significant relationships with 27 pre-entry characteristics, 12 …

Problematic Students Of Nasp Approved Programs: An Exploratory Study Of Graduate Student Views, Leasha Dawn Trimble

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study reports the findings of an electronic exploratory survey forwarded to National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Student Representatives by their Faculty Sponsors. The purpose of the survey was to gather information about the perspective of graduate students concerning problematic peers and their experiences with them in school psychology training programs. Findings suggest that (a) students are not sure whether or not their training programs have an official procedure in place for dealing with problematic students; (b) the problems they observe most commonly involve poor interpersonal skills; (c) consistent with other mental health programs, school psychology graduate students most …

Nursing Faculty Shortage: Nurses' Perceptions As A Key To Administrative Solutions, Evelyn M. Klocke

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The nursing faculty shortage is well documented. Higher education administrators turn away qualified student applicants because of the lack of qualified nursing faculty. Furthermore, they find recruitment and retention of qualified nursing faculty a challenge. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of the nursing faculty role, causes of the faculty shortage, and solutions to the shortage as perceived by: 1) nurses currently in a faculty role and 2) nurses with a master’s degree who were not employed in a full-time faculty position. A qualitative study using the phenomenological method was undertaken. Two groups of nurses were interviewed. …

Organizational Leadership In Academic Libraries : Identifying Culture Types And Leadership Roles, Monica Garcia Brooks

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to identify organizational culture types and leadership roles among research and non-research libraries in higher education institutions in the United States and to reveal trends that can assist in enacting needed organizational change. Organizational culture and leadership are two intertwined concepts that are strongly aligned with the human element of any supervisory experience. According to Crosby, they help “nurture effective and humane organizations” (Crosby, 2004). This research project sought to test the claims brought forth by library researchers such as Kaarts-Brown et al. in which they reported a tie between the library manager’s ability …

Survival Of The Fittest? The Rebranding Of West Virginia Higher Education, James Martin Owston

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

During the years 1996 to 2005, West Virginia produced the greatest proportion (56.25%) of regionally accredited institutional rebrandings. In addition, the state experienced the greatest proportion (25%) of the specific “college-to-university” rebranding strategy than any other state. This study set out to discover the reasons why West Virginia produced such a high percentage of “college-to-university” changes. Using a mixed method approach of analysis, the researcher used quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the rationale, strategies, and implications of the college-to-university change. As West Virginia was viewed as a nested population in Appalachia, a population of 51 institutions that experienced the …

Risk Management Practices Of Collegiate Athletic Trainers: An Examination Of Policies And Procedures, Ericka Point Zimmerman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe (a) risk management practices of collegiate athletic trainers, (b) perceived risk management practices important to the collegiate athletic trainer, (c) risk management responsibilities of the head athletic trainer, and (d) resources utilized by collegiate athletic trainers in the development of a risk management plan. Risk management practices were divided into 13 categories: (a) periodic review, (b) consultation, (c) periodic in-services of policies, (d) periodic inservices for personnel, (e) methods for insuring against loss, (f) participation and consent of athletes, (g) emergencies, (h) care and treatment of injuries and conditions, (i) …