Educational Leadership Commons^™

Competencies For Effective Stem Leadership: Essential Knowledge, Skills, Dispositions, And Practices To Inform Stem Education Programs And Support Program Leadership, Melissa Adams Wooley

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify a set of knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices that are important for STEM leaders to consider as constructs of a STEM theory as they plan and implement a STEM program. The research design included a modified Delphi panel to gain consensus on the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices, called competencies, that effective STEM leaders consider when planning and implementing a STEM program. The panel participants were experts in STEM education. Based on the literature, the researcher identified the initial set of competencies. The panel identified ten additional competencies through the Delphi process, …

Virtual And Hybrid Work In Higher Education, Kathryn Elaine Shamburg

Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative case study examines leadership dynamics within hybrid and remote work environments in higher education, focusing on the enrollment management department of a university. As institutions shift toward flexible work models, the study explores how leaders adapt communication, support, and collaboration strategies to maintain effectiveness, employee well-being, and inclusion. Grounded in Siemens’ (2004) connectivism and supported by insights from Prensky (2001) and Shirky (2009), the study uses a theoretical lens that emphasizes technology’s role in learning and organizational interaction. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis, with participants ranging from frontline recruiters to senior administrators. The constant comparative …

Defying Gravity: Representation Matters And The Leadership Experiences Of Black Leaders In The K-12 Educational Atmosphere, Jordan Washington-Smart

Doctoral Dissertations

This study is a qualitative interpretive phenomenological single case study of Black leaders in an urban, public school district in the southern region of the United States. In this school district, demographic disparities existed between the student population and the leadership. This study analyzed the work of Black leaders and better understand how their leadership experiences shape the school environment for faculty, administrators, students, and community stakeholders outside of traditionally numerical accountability measures. The study was guided by a tri-fold theoretical framework that included applied critical leadership, social justice leadership, and culturally responsive leadership. Twelve Black educational leaders were interviewed …

Chicago Detective Explorers: Examining The Effects Of Applied Social Emotional Learning Practices On Project-Based Forensic Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Education Within Out-Of-School Time Programs, Jesus Roberto Magallon

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

This dissertation investigates the impact of a project-based forensic science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) course that utilized social-emotional learning (SEL) as part of its curriculum design during an out-of-school time (OST) summer program designed for high school students on Chicago’s far Northwest side. Although Durlak et al. (2011) showed that SEL improves academic achievement and well-being, its intersection with STEM remains underexamined. The Chicago Detective Explorers (CDE) program—designed and taught by the researcher—included a project-based forensic STEM curriculum (broadly defined as practice and analysis of physical evidence found at crime scenes) woven with SEL activities in areas such as …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Understanding Charter School Teachers’ Experiences With Increasing Expectations Of Students’ Learning Outcomes And Attrition Rate, Pamella Pauline Pindling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological study focuses on understanding charter school teachers’ experiences with increasing expectations of the students’ learning outcomes. This hermeneutic phenomenological study addressed the influence of these factors on organizational and student learning outcomes. The investigation provides valuable insights by thoroughly examining the connection between these factors and the education system. A comprehensive review of pertinent literature and empirical evidence was undertaken to achieve these goals. The study focused on a hermeneutic phenomenological design, using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and journal prompts as primary data collection methods. The gathered data undergo thematic analysis to discern prevailing patterns and …

Understanding How On-Campus Involvement And Socioeconomic Status Impacts Academic Success: A Causal-Comparative Study, Eric Ryan Rivenbark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine the differences between a college student’s academic success based on campus involvement (low, medium, or high) and a student's socioeconomic status (low, medium, or high). This study employed quantitative causal-comparative methods to explore the impact of student characteristics on college transition and academic success. A successful high school-to-college transition was pivotal for overall achievement and degree pursuit. Focusing on 253 college students, the study examined links between socioeconomic background, on-campus involvement, and academic achievement. Participants completed the Academic Success Inventory for College Students and a survey to determine on-campus involvement. …

A Study Of Student Support Services: The Impacts They Have On The Lives Of Two-Year College Student, Sonya Yvette Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to understand and discover the impact that student support services had on the lives of two-year college students during the duration of college and after graduation. The central research question was What are the experiences of college students, in South Arkansas, who utilized student support services at two-year institutions and how did they impact their lives? The study also focused on the services provided to remove barriers so students could remain in school long enough to earn a degree and how they can continue to be successful after graduation. The theory that guided this study was …

African–American Faculty Retention At Community Colleges: A Phenomenological Study, Wontae Javar Neal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the retention rates of African-American faculty in community colleges in the Northeast Region of the United States, highlighting their unique experiences and the factors influencing their professional lives. The theoretical framework for this study was the critical race theory (CRT), which is a post-Civil Rights social philosophy, legal theory, and technique for dealing with racism and our rapidly changing society. The central research question was: What are the professional and academic experiences of African-American community college faculty? The three research sub questions were: (1) How do the professional and academic experiences of African-American community college …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Role Of Noncognitive Abilities Related To Resilience In Homeschooled Students Managing The Transition To College, Adele Elena Malavé

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the noncognitive experiences associated with resilience that contribute to the academic and social success of homeschooled students in their first year of college at XYZ University. Rutter’s (1999, 2006) resilience theory guided this research, emphasizing how individuals develop coping mechanisms to navigate challenges. This study examined how resilience-related traits, including self-discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, influenced students' college transitions. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected from 10 homeschooled students who had completed their first year of college or at least 30 credit hours. Participants shared their experiences through writing …

Heroines Of Their Own Stories: Lower Socio-Economic Black And Hispanic Giftedness, Dace Ashcraft

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of racially, ethnically, and economically diverse (REED) learners in developing gifted traits and behaviors for female students who have taken part in an extracurricular online course from the northeastern United States. Gifted traits and behaviors, or giftedness, was generally defined as what might be perceived as advanced ability or the potential for advanced ability in one or more specific areas. The theories guiding this study are Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which aids in understanding the influence of a student’s culture on higher-order mental functions originating in the social …

From Laity To Leadership: A Training Program For Christians New To Leadership, Arlene J. Hopkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian leadership development is vital to fulfill the mission of the church, to build up and equip the saints to live in abundant spiritual closeness to God and others. As congregants look to church leaders for guidance, instruction, and a godly leadership model, educating, training, and nurturing these leaders as they impact the congregation is imperative. This is especially true for individuals new to leadership roles within the church. Therefore, this project aims to provide foundational biblical, spiritual, and leadership training to new lay leaders at the New Life Worship Center Church. The new leadership training program, a mandatory and …

Predicting Job Satisfaction Based On Empowerment Factors For Elementary And Secondary Teachers: A Quantitative Study, Tenise R. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, predictive correlational study examined the association between empowerment factors and job satisfaction among elementary and secondary school teachers in rural and suburban public schools in the southeastern United States. Teachers who are satisfied in their jobs commit to the best interests of students, thereby positively impacting retention. The study consisted of a convenience sample of 129 elementary, middle, and high school teachers in a southeastern United States coastal area. The two instruments used were the Teacher Empowerment Scale and the Teaching Satisfaction Scale. All data were collected through an email recruitment letter inviting teachers to participate in this …

Navigating Knowledge: An Autoethnographic Journey Through Instructional Decision-Making And Educational Technology Development, Daniel James Clark

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Have you ever felt lost while learning? Guided by this curiosity, the researcher embarked on a decade-long journey to understand how students navigate learning environments and how educational technology might offer clearer pathways. In response, the researcher designed and developed Navigating Knowledge, a learning platform informed by his dual roles as a higher education instructor and educational technology developer. This capstone is distinct in its simultaneous integration of theory, design, and implementation to bridge pedagogical insight with technological innovation. Using an analytic autoethnographic methodology, this qualitative research critically examined 33 instructional, platform development, and reflective journal artifacts from 2013 to …

Student Affairs Professional Preparation: A Scholar-Practitioner Guide To Contemporary Topics, Nikheal Patel

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This review examines a recent edited volume that offers a timely and comprehensive exploration of the Higher Education/Student Affairs (HESA) field. The book distinguishes itself through its dual emphasis on foundational knowledge and contemporary challenges, while weaving together faculty and practitioner perspectives—a structural choice that reflects the collaborative ethos of the field itself. Organized into three parts, the book addresses traditional curriculum areas, institutional type considerations, and emerging topics shaping HESA practice today.

The review highlights how the authors thoughtfully engage Student Development Theory (SDT) as a framework not only for student growth, but also for the professional evolution of …

The Role Of Social Media In Higher Education For Recruitment And Retention And The Implications For Nursing Programs, Cari Granier, Jamie Gravois

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Abstract:

Purpose: This review article assesses findings related to social media use in regards to student recruitment and retention for higher education institutions (HEIs) including schools of nursing. This review outlines the need for building a social media presence, creating engaging content for target audiences, available platforms, and posting times and frequency. Methods: A literature review was conducted with keywords including the following terms in combination with “social media and” higher education marketing, higher education recruitment, university marketing, university recruitment, college marketing, and college recruitment. Results: College applicants rely on social media when making decisions about …

Promoting Student Engagement In Interprofessional Education To Advance Institution-Based Research, Curriculum Development, And Practice Interventions, Natalya Salganik, Nicole Trupiano, Vani Patterson, Rajesh Mangrulkar

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Promoting Student Engagement in Interprofessional Education to Advance Institution-Based Research, Curriculum Development, and Practice Interventions

Abstract

Background

The Michigan Center for IPE (C-IPE) Student Advisory Committee (SAC) is a student-run committee that serves as a collaborative student community among health professional schools at our institution. Since its creation in 2018, SAC identified a need for students to take a lead in improving the interprofessional education (IPE) experience at the University of Michigan in collaboration with the C-IPE.

Methods

Together with the C-IPE, SAC focused on three tasks to achieve its goals: (1) increasing student engagement in IPE, (2) increasing transparency …

Book Review Of The Power Of Positive Leadership: How And Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams And Organizations And Change The World, Bethany Peppers

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This book review examines the impact a leader has once they set a tone of positivity. It examines the importance of a leader's mindset, as it will be the determination of success for an organization. A single individual has the power to change the culture of an organization to allow for improvement within the organization. This book shows the strategy of positive leadership and how it can create a transformative workplace.

Quest For Purpose In Education: An Autoethnographic Study Of A Chinese Student’S Cross- Cultural Journey Through Logotherapy And Culturally Relevant Leadership, Bingsheng Chen

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This autoethnography examines a Chinese student's search for meaning while transitioning between Chinese and U.S. academic systems, shaped by the interplay of cultural values, societal pressures, and personal agency. Guided by Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Culturally Relevant Leadership (CRL), the study uses reflexive narrative analysis to explore how this personal quest for purpose intersected with institutional structures and cultural contexts (e.g., St. John's College, University of New Mexico). Illuminating profound challenges—including cultural shock, systemic inequities, and the emotional toll of adaptation—the research reveals a transformative journey of navigating dissonance, reframing adversity, embracing a dual cultural identity, and ultimately finding meaning …

Leading Through Crisis: San Diego County Schools' Response To The Social Emotional Needs Of All Students, Johana Bielma

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented school closures, forcing administrators to take decisive action to radically change the educational system. The imperative to switch to remote learning transformed the dynamics of teaching and learning, leading to both immediate and long-term academic and social emotional consequences for all stakeholders. When schools reopened, administrators faced the challenge of reintegrating students into in-person learning while addressing the pandemic’s lasting effects on academics, mental health, and school safety. While academic regression was evident, the extent of students’ emotional struggles was less anticipated. Many students exhibited increased irritability and mental health issues such as depression …

How We Show Up Matters: Transformative Adult Social Emotional Learning To Build Equity-Centered Schools, Samantha L. Rummage-Massey

Dissertations

Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL) expands traditional SEL by integrating equity and social justice to cultivate student development and as a framework for educator growth and systemic change in education (Jagers et al., 2019). Unlike traditional SEL, which primarily targets students, tSEL emphasizes educators’ role in disrupting inequitable practices, making it a powerful tool for reimagining schools as justice-oriented spaces. This qualitative case study explores how tSEL professional development influences educators’ sense of identity, agency, and belonging, along with their reflections on systemic inequities and application of Critical Pedagogy (Freire, 1970) in personal and professional contexts. Data collection included semi-structured …