Understanding Higher Education Resources: A Critical Policy Analysis Of The Fafsa Simplification Act Of 2019 Implementation At A Private, Catholic University,
2026
Loyola Marymount University
Understanding Higher Education Resources: A Critical Policy Analysis Of The Fafsa Simplification Act Of 2019 Implementation At A Private, Catholic University, Jasmine Hamm
LMU Theses and Dissertations
The qualitative study examined a private, Catholic university’s implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2019 alongside the broader, layered federal and state policies involved in financial aid award allocation in higher education (Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Rubin & Rubin, 2011; Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Critical Policy Analysis and Institutional Theory guided the research in examining (1) policy development, (2) implementation, (3) external pressures, and (4) organizational adaptation (Diem et al., 2014; Meyer & Rowan, 1977). Eight administrators and staff members who worked in the Enrollment Management Division and the Financial Aid Office were interviewed regarding the implementation of the …
Parents Of Students With Severe Autism Studying In Virtual Learning Environments And Their Perceptions And Experiences Working With School Administrators: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
Parents Of Students With Severe Autism Studying In Virtual Learning Environments And Their Perceptions And Experiences Working With School Administrators: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Shelli L. Allen
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to understand parents’ lived experiences and perceptions of their interactions with school administrators in virtual learning environments. The study centers on the following research question: What are the experiences of parents of children with severe autism as they work with school administrators in virtual learning environments? The hermeneutical framework guiding this study is Vygotsky’s Constructivist Learning Theory, which helps us understand learning through interaction, collaboration, and cognitive apprenticeship, with a focus on instructional practices that prioritize students’ cognitive development. The phenomenological design is to help the researcher to examine parents’ lived experiences …
Reducing Challenging Behavior Through Classroom Management Techniques In The Early Childhood Classroom,
2026
Grand Valley State University
Reducing Challenging Behavior Through Classroom Management Techniques In The Early Childhood Classroom, Mayra Moreno
Masters Projects
This literature-based project examines the impact of challenging behavior on student learning and evaluates the effectiveness of preventative classroom management strategies. Challenging behaviors include aggression, disruption and withdrawal, negatively affect the learning environment by decreasing student engagement, increasing teacher stress and burnout, and contributing to a less supportive classroom climate. Grounded in Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, this project emphasizes the importance of developmentally appropriate practices that support both cognitive and social-emotional growth. Included are preventative classroom management techniques aimed at reducing challenging behaviors. Key strategies include maintaining a 5:1 ratio of positive to …
Empathetic Administration: Leveraging Phenomenological Insights To Enhance Student Mental Health Support In Higher Education,
2026
Liberty University
Empathetic Administration: Leveraging Phenomenological Insights To Enhance Student Mental Health Support In Higher Education, Arlissia Lenton Bradley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe how students at universities in Texas navigated online mental health resources and coping supports while managing mental health challenges. The central research question that guided this study was: What were the lived experiences of students in higher education who were managing mental health issues? Utilizing Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the study examined how cognitive appraisals and self-effective beliefs, environmental supports and constraints, and behavioral coping strategies interacted as students interpreted and responded to mental health stressors in academic contexts. Data was collected in a virtual setting …
Examining The Perceived Self-Efficacy Of Governing Board Members Of Charter Schools In Florida: A Qualitative Holistic Case Study,
2026
Liberty University
Examining The Perceived Self-Efficacy Of Governing Board Members Of Charter Schools In Florida: A Qualitative Holistic Case Study, Donald Toy Williams Jr.
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative, holistic case study was to examine the perceived self-efficacy of governing board members in charter schools in Florida. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory, which explains how personal beliefs, behaviors, and environmental influences shape an individual’s and collective governance self-efficacy. The central research question guiding this study was: How does the self-efficacy of governing board members in Florida charter schools influence their governance practices? This study used a qualitative, holistic case study design and purposeful sampling to select governing board members from charter schools across Florida. Data were collected through …
A Phenomenological Study: Experiences Of Educational Instructors Utilizing Technology Within Higher Educational Institutions,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study: Experiences Of Educational Instructors Utilizing Technology Within Higher Educational Institutions, David B. Mead
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of instructors within higher educational classrooms at institutions of higher education in the Southern region of the United States. The guided theory for the study was the TPACK theory, which combined educational knowledge with educational technology. The TPACK theory of integrating technology with the knowledge framework to answer the central question and three sub-questions: (A) What are the lived experiences of educational instructors in higher education institutions as they engage in utilizing technology in their teaching practices? (B) How do instructors perceive the role of integrating technology in …
A Phenomenological Study: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Veterans During Their Separation Transition,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Veterans During Their Separation Transition, Nereida Valentine
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the phenomenon of the lived experiences of U.S. veterans’ during their transition into civilian life across all military branches. The theory guiding this study was Schlossberg’s 4S theory on adult transitions, this theory identifies what factors influence how veterans adapt to their transition into civilian life. Data analysis was led from this central research question: “What are the lived experiences of veterans’ and their academic readiness during their transition into civilian life?” The methodology used was transcendental phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of 12 participants and how they adapt …
Exploring The Role Of Values And Ethics In Transformational Leadership And Their Impact On Teacher Wellbeing: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
Exploring The Role Of Values And Ethics In Transformational Leadership And Their Impact On Teacher Wellbeing: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Brittany Nicole Evans Javier
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the impact of values and ethics in transformational leadership on teacher wellbeing for teachers at a private Christian school. The transformational leadership theory proposes that leaders lead through inspiration, and this theory underpinned the study, as more recent research focused on specific aspects of transformational leadership and called for further research in the area of ethical leadership. The primary research question asked how values and ethics in transformational leadership impacted teacher wellbeing in a private Christian school in North Carolina. A transcendental phenomenological study was conducted, as a phenomenological qualitative study …
Understanding The Implications Of Transitional Shifts In Leadership On Higher Education Employees' Departures: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study,
2026
Liberty University
Understanding The Implications Of Transitional Shifts In Leadership On Higher Education Employees' Departures: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Leya Deickman
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of employees who chose separation amidst the transition of a new president at small private higher education institutions in the United States. This study aimed to understand how collegiate and university presidential leadership transitions influence employees’ perception of their decision making process to voluntary leave their respective institutions. The theory guiding this study was Homans’ social exchange theory, as it explains social interactions as an exchange using a cost benefit analysis. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of employees who choose separation amidst the …
A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: The Experiences Of Faculty In Educational Settings Operating On A Four-Day Workweek,
2026
Liberty University
A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: The Experiences Of Faculty In Educational Settings Operating On A Four-Day Workweek, Jennifer Strickland
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the personal experiences of educational faculty working in K-12 schools, colleges, and vocational organizations operating on a four-day school workweek. The theory guiding this study was Seligman’s positive psychology theory (PPT), stating there are five life aspects impacting well-being. The research is grounded in the theoretical framework of PPT as it strived to understand the shared personal experiences of the participants and how their perceptions surrounding the five aspect areas influence their lives. Seligman’s theory of PPT provided the framework to answer the central research question: what are the experiences …
A Correlational Study Of Principal Self-Efficacy When Compared To Levels Of Work Locus Of Control And Perceived Autonomy Support,
2026
Liberty University
A Correlational Study Of Principal Self-Efficacy When Compared To Levels Of Work Locus Of Control And Perceived Autonomy Support, Christene Michelle Anderson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study was to examine how well perceived autonomy support and work locus of control predict perceived principal self-efficacy among public secondary school principals throughout the state of Maryland. Discovering factors that could contribute to the effectiveness of school-based leadership may help school districts uncover new ways of providing professional development and support to assist principals in leading their buildings. The Principals’ Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale, Work Locus of Control Scale, and the Perceived Autonomy Survey were instruments used to measure the criterion variable of principal self-efficacy and the predictive variables of locus …
Navigating Privilege And Power: The Lived Experiences Of Ivy League Administrators In Promoting Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion. A Hermeneutics Phenomenological Study,
2026
Liberty University
Navigating Privilege And Power: The Lived Experiences Of Ivy League Administrators In Promoting Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion. A Hermeneutics Phenomenological Study, Alize Roberson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of university administrators in Ivy League institutions as they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. For the purpose of this research, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is generally defined as the practice of facilitating inclusivity for students of color. This study is guided by the conceptual framework of culturally responsive pedagogy, which informs the research design, data collection, and analysis. These elements are essential and deserve recognition and understanding in their educational experience. The implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies at Ivy League institutions is explored through …
A Phenomenological Study Of Cultural Tightness Impacting Lived Experiences Of Female Leaders In United Methodist Churches,
2026
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study Of Cultural Tightness Impacting Lived Experiences Of Female Leaders In United Methodist Churches, Genevieve M. Hamer
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Gender equality captures the news highlights. Women push to assume roles similar in pay, power, and significance in all types of organizations as their male peers. It is hard to ignore this when it comes to the matter of biblical calling and the roles of women in church leadership. Researchers have devoted hours to the topic of calling. This study examined calling as it relates to the biblical call towards a vocation. While there are different theological positions regarding the roles of women in the church, scholars agree there is such a thing as a biblical calling. Even in egalitarian …
Student Misbehavior And The Lived Experiences Of School Administrators And Teachers: Legal Challenges And Policy Implementation In A Georgia School District: A Phenomenological Inquiry,
2026
Liberty University
Student Misbehavior And The Lived Experiences Of School Administrators And Teachers: Legal Challenges And Policy Implementation In A Georgia School District: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Mary C. Cox
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of school administrators and teachers in managing student misbehavior along with the legal challenges and policy implications in a Georgia school district. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognitive theory, as it provided a framework for examining how school administrators and teachers’ self-efficacy influences their perception, interpretation, and response to student misbehavior in the classroom. This theoretical lens was integral to exploring the dynamic interaction between personal beliefs, environmental factors, and behavioral outcomes. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences …
Teacher Leadership Inventory Among The Nine Seventh-Day Adventist Unions Of The North American Division: A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study,
2026
Liberty University
Teacher Leadership Inventory Among The Nine Seventh-Day Adventist Unions Of The North American Division: A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study, Adam C. Littell
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there was a difference in sharing expertise, sharing leadership, and/or supra-practitioner behaviors among the teachers of the nine Seventh-day Adventist Unions of the North American Division. This study is important because it meets an important gap in teacher leadership understanding, both within the broad context of education and specifically within the Seventh-day Adventist educational system. The sample was composed of 264 Seventh-day Adventist full-time teachers from across the North American Division (with the exception of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Canada due to privacy laws prohibiting participation) who did …
Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Public High School Female Principals: A Phenomenological Study On Their Career Paths,
2026
Liberty University
Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Public High School Female Principals: A Phenomenological Study On Their Career Paths, Yuxin Carcamo
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of public high school (PHS) female principals across 12 PHSs in southern California. The lived experiences were generally defined as educational leadership career paths. The theory guiding this study was social cognitive theory. This theory guided the study by providing a framework to explore how intrapersonal, workplace, and job factors influence PHS female principals’ career paths. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of PHS female principals on their leadership career paths? Data were collected through interviews, focus group interviews, and observations of 12 …
Cultivating The Dream In African American Men Through Black Excellence And Success,
2026
Loyola Marymount University
Cultivating The Dream In African American Men Through Black Excellence And Success, Sylvia Lawan Branch
LMU Theses and Dissertations
Achieving Black Excellence has been a goal for African American men for several decades; yet this movement has been hindered by social, emotional, and discriminatory life experiences from early childhood through adulthood. Black Excellence has been a phrase used in recent years to highlight achievements for African American men in wealth, mental health, well-being, fatherhood, and academic achievement. The main objective of this dissertation was to define and examine dimensions of Black Excellence among African American men, including elements that contributed to personal fulfillment and broader social impact. To determine recommendations to achieve Black Excellence (Scott, 2017), 10 semistructured interviews …
“I Am Shining Like Never Before”: A Qualitative Study Of The Preparation For Leadership And Vocational Call Among Lay Hispanic Women Educators In U.S. Catholic Schools,
2026
Loyola Marymount University
“I Am Shining Like Never Before”: A Qualitative Study Of The Preparation For Leadership And Vocational Call Among Lay Hispanic Women Educators In U.S. Catholic Schools, Bernadette Mary Boyle
LMU Theses and Dissertations
Catholic education was established and staffed by religious individuals called by the principle of mission and vocation: to serve and support immigrant, socio-economically disadvantaged Catholic communities. But by 2016 less than 3% of full-time professional Catholic school staff were avowed religious, and these historically Eurocentric schools across the United States have declining enrollment (Donohue & Guernsey, 2023). This has challenged Catholic leaders to consider whether Catholic schools can still fulfill the founding mission of Catholic education. In 2022, Ospino and Wyttenbach reported on “the various ways in which Hispanics educators are transforming the American Catholic school experience” (p. 5) and …
Testimonios De Una Estudiante De Doctorado: Regaining Joy In Graduate School Through Research-Practice Partnerships,
2026
Independent Author
Testimonios De Una Estudiante De Doctorado: Regaining Joy In Graduate School Through Research-Practice Partnerships, Sophia Piral Lee
The Qualitative Report
Through an epistolary critical autoethnography and Latina and Chicana feminist framework, I explore the question of how international graduate students of color can overcome cultural, linguistic, ethnoracial, and social class isolation on predominantly white campuses and in college towns. By writing a letter to my mother (one of my methods for survival in academia), I share my challenges as a Guatemalan, first-time mom, first-generation college student, international student, and non-English native speaker in graduate school during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, this writing helps me recognize how I overcame my isolation and regained my joy and …
Solo Faculty Program Coordinators In Student Affairs-Related Graduate Programs,
2026
Department of Advanced Education Programs, Fort Hays State University, Kansas, USA
Solo Faculty Program Coordinators In Student Affairs-Related Graduate Programs, Phillip A. Olt, Mitch Nasser, Louise Michelle Vital, Steven Tolman, James G. Archibald, Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif, Blue Brazelton, Rozana Carducci, Michael Houdyshell, Tryan Mcmickens, Cara Meixner, Molly Mistretta, Amy Paciej-Woodruff, Richie Stevens, Ann Wendle, Claude E.P. Mayo
The Qualitative Report
Many graduate programs in student affairs-related subfields employ just one full-time faculty member, who then also functions as the program coordinator. Program coordinator duties and compensation vary widely, but they are generally the person who ensures all aspects of the program function. Research shows that fulfilling these responsibilities in addition to teaching, research, and service is difficult; however, this study sought to expand on that literature to understand what it was like to coordinate a HESA program as the only full-time faculty member isolated in that subfield at the institution. We utilized the hybrid qualitative methodology of phenomenological polyethnography, wherein …
