Digital Commons Network^™

Access, Equity, And Achievement: The Impact Of Student Support Programs On First-Generation College Students Through Their Lived Experiences, Veronica Carrero

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

First-generation college students often enter higher education while confronting significant systemic inequalities that limit their academic preparedness, confidence, and sense of belonging. These challenges deeply intertwined and often overlooked intensify gaps, the complexity of their college process, and underscore the urgent need for support structures that nurture both cognitive development and socio-emotional well-being. This qualitative, exploratory, phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of ten first-generation college students enrolled across California State Universities (CSU), focusing on how access and equity initiatives shape their academic journeys.  Student Support Programs such as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), and …

Encounters Of Third Space: A Case Study On Salvadoran Political Art And Identity Interplay, Breanna Delgado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Third space is an in-between thought space designated for marginalized collectives, allowing multiple recontextualizations of identity interplay. However, Third Space is colonized due to western ideological influences such as criminalization of political art, stunting collective growth. This project serves to question and challenge Salvadoran political art and collective identities through questions such as why political art? Can political art be considered “safe spaces”? and dissecting the process of political art, third space meaning making, and identity interplay. Preserving the collective’s political art serves as a grassroots method of justice, accountability, and collective reparation.

I applying three conceptual frameworks: Bhabha’s (1994) …

Eating Patterns Among College Athletes, Sarah Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine eating patterns among college athletes attending a minority-serving, urban institution where commuting is highly prevalent to assess potential risks of disordered eating, nutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity. A total of 189 students [M age (SD) = 20.29 + 1.46 years] from a mid-sized university in the U.S. responded to an anonymous online survey. The survey consisted of questions regarding food security, hydration/beverage status, demographics, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and food consumption patterns. Findings indicated a low prevalence of severe disordered eating behaviors within this sample. However, attitudes about disordered eating …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1ra As A Public Health Interventions, Briana Sepeda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications have become a prominent topic of interest both in clinical medicine and broader societal discussions. Although the medication are relatively new and expensive, ongoing research continues to explore pharmacologic modifications aimed at improving therapeutic effectiveness and prolonged drug half-life. GLP-1RAs have gained significant traction due to their ability to lower glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) and blood glucose levels in individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition to glycemic control, evidence suggests its associations with appetite suppression, weight loss, reducing cardiovascular disease, improved renal dysfunction, neuroprotective effects related to neurodegenerative disease …

Academic Self-Efficacy Of Black, White, And Hispanic Students Pursuing Professional Education Degrees And Licensure At An Hbcu In Midwest Ohio, Nathan Boles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this comparative quantitative study was to determine, using three self-efficacy scales, General Self-Efficacy (GSE), Academic Self-Efficacy (ASE), and Educational Self-Efficacy (ESE), the differences in academic and educational self-efficacy among Black, White, and Hispanic students seeking a Professional Education degree and licensure at a Historically Black College and University in Midwest Ohio. Pre-service students’ self-efficacy and goal commitment can affect their likelihood of graduating with a license and may directly affect the number of novice teachers of color in the classroom. The literature examines factors that disrupt students’ self-efficacy, academic confidence, and persistence through the theoretical frameworks of …

The Influence Of Intervention Strategies On Students With Disabilities Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviors In Rural Public Schools: Teacher Perceptions, Ben B. Robertson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study addressed rural teachers' perceptions of the influence of intervention strategies on students with disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ perceptions of the effect of intervention strategies on academic achievement, student behavior outcomes, and teacher self-efficacy through the lens of Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. This theory is a complex, dynamic interaction among people, their behaviors, and their environments. Data collection included 14 individual interviews, conducted on Zoom with educators from one school district in Southern Virginia, including seven general education teachers and seven special education teachers. Data analysis strategies …

Perceptions Of Rural School Resource Officers On Training, Roles, And Interactions With Students In Special Populations, Mary Jane M. Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative inductive study was conducted with rural school districts located in the Middle Grand Division of Tennessee. School Resource Officers' (SROs) and K–12 school administrators’ perceptions of their roles were assessed. Perceptions of school policing from both samples were assessed regarding SRO training, roles, and expectations for working with school law enforcement officials. This also included respondents' views on how students with disabilities are treated. The research conducted in rural Middle Tennessee counties examined SROs’ and K–12 administrators’ perceptions through data collected from in-depth open-ended interviews and a pre-written analysis. The proliferation of police officers assigned to schools beginning …

Inclusion And Equity In Early Childhood Special Education, Maranda Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The present study examined equity and inclusion in early childhood special education through the lived experiences of administrators, educators, and caregivers. Despite decades of legislation, preschool students of color with dis/abilities continue to experience disproportionate identification for special education, exclusionary discipline, and limited access to inclusive settings (DHHS & DE, 2023; NCD, 2018). Grounded in Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit), this study explores how intersecting systems of racism and ableism shape early childhood educational access and opportunity.

Guided by a phenomenological approach with a transformative paradigm, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eighteen participants including administrators, early childhood special …

Low-Income And Student Success: California Community College Baccalaureate Degree: A Phenomenological Research, Adolfo Espinoza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

California Community Colleges (CCC) were authorized to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address workforce demands and expand access to affordable bachelor’s degrees. The purpose of this study was to explore the academic, social, and institutional factors that contributed to the success of low-income students enrolled in CCC Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BDPs) and to examine the strategies faculty and administrators implemented to support their academic achievement.

This qualitative phenomenological study was guided by the Four-Capital Framework developed by Mason and Poyatos Matas (2015). Data were collected through structured interviews with faculty and administrators working in CCC BDPs in which 50 percent …

Learning About The Direct Experiences Of Very Young Children With Hearing Loss: A Feasibility Study, Jenni M. Funk

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

We aimed to explore the feasibility of employing a developmentally appropriate, modified puppet interview method to elicit thoughts and perspectives directly from very young children (ages 3 to 6 years old) who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Little is known about the direct experiences of children with hearing loss, making it difficult to improve care. In our field of speech and hearing sciences, there is no current method of gathering direct experiences of young children and placing them at the center of care. We proposed that researchers may be able to learn about the direct experiences of very young children who …

“Do We Belong?”: Supporting Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Students Through Teacher Education, Morohunkeji Orija

All Dissertations

The population of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in K-12 education continues to increase, yet the teacher workforce remains largely homogeneous, predominantly White. This imbalance creates a cultural mismatch in educational settings. In teacher education, predominantly White teacher educators prepare predominantly White preservice teachers, further increasing this mismatch. In early childhood education (ECE), which spans birth to 8 years, racial mismatch can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions, contributing to bias and manifesting as Racial Microaggressions (RMAs). RMAs are mostly unintentional, and research is needed to examine how preservice teachers can identify and address them, given their impact on …

Neurobiological Mechanisms Of Attention In Adolescents, Virginia Clark

All Dissertations

Adolescence is a transformative developmental period characterized by profound biological, neurological, and behavioral changes. This dissertation investigates the neurobiological underpinnings of attention in adolescents, emphasizing how internal mechanisms influence and individually shape cognitive development through the endosystem. Rooted in the intersection of human development, learning sciences, and cognitive neuroscience, this work argues for a more integrated understanding of attention as a fundamental cognitive function for learning, one that is behaviorally seen but also biologically and neurologically driven. While developmental science has often emphasized external influences such as family, culture, and environment, this work centers on the adolescent’s internal biological systems …

Cultivating Digital Belonging: A Phenomenological Study Of Black Male Students’ Experiences In A Title Three Online Student Support Hub, June Paulette Rogers

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study examined how Black male students at a public community college experienced digital belonging through a Title Three–funded Online Student Support Hub. Instead of focusing on broad institutional outcomes, the study centered on students' personal experiences. It investigated how students felt seen by staff, how relevant cultural references were integrated, and how quickly and thoughtfully the institution responded. Data came from nine participants through semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and review of key documents. Through analysis, the study identified four key themes: building personal relationships, obstacles and feelings of separation, efforts to make digital support more personal, and …

Academic And Demographic Predictors Of Retention And Persistence In Business Programs: Post-Covid Cohorts Of Traditional And Ncccs Transfer Students, Matthew K. Crump

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined academic and demographic predictors of first-year retention and major persistence among traditional first-year and North Carolina community college transfer students enrolled in undergraduate business programs. Guided by Tinto’s 1993 Model of Student Retention and Astin’s 1984 Theory of Student Involvement, the research focused on students who entered two AACSB-accredited institutions within the UNC System during Fall 2021, Fall 2022, and Fall 2023 as traditional first-year students or as transfer students from North Carolina community colleges.

Institutional data from the Banner Student Information System provided the basis for logistic regression analyses that examined predictors including high school …

Beyond Moving Hands: Narratives Around Deaf Education, Sara Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative narrative study explored the experiences and perspectives of deaf educators and educational interpreters working in high school settings. Participants shared narratives about their professional experiences, training, and roles in deaf education. By considering their professional histories, backgrounds, and cultural perspectives, this study examined how these experiences shaped participants’ perceptions of the current state of deaf education.

Using a qualitative narrative research design, three participants with experience working in high school deaf education settings were interviewed individually and later participated in a focus group discussion. The interviews and focus group centered on participants’ perspectives regarding key issues in deaf …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Students Using Think Aloud During Computerized Patient Simulation, Candra Selene Talylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The objective of this research was to explore the effects of the think aloud (TA) method on the development of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students completing an online simulation assignment. The study aimed to determine if thinking aloud develops clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students as evidenced by a change in clinical reasoning skill scores and investigates the relationship between students' overall clinical simulation competency scores.

This study used a mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data to explore and measure the use of the TA strategy on the development of clinical reasoning skills. The sample from this …

Perceptions Of The Teacher Excellence And Accountability For Mathematics And Science Act On Rural Secondary Math Teachers' Practices, Motivation For Professional Development, Collaboration, And Job Satisfaction, Katina Stallworth

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The persistent shortage of qualified secondary mathematics and science teachers in rural schools has prompted states to adopt incentive-based policies aimed at improving teacher recruitment and retention. In Alabama, the Teacher Excellence and Accountability for Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) Act was enacted in 2021 to address these shortages through substantial salary supplements tied to professional development requirements and the relinquishment of tenure protections. While early reports indicate that the TEAMS program has increased the number of credentialed STEM teachers in classrooms, less is known about how participation in the program influences teachers' instructional practices, motivation for professional development, collaboration, and …

Career Aspirations Of Generation Alpha In A Changing World: Perspectives Of Students, Parents, And Educators In Religiously Affiliated Private Schools, Cynthia Susan Grace

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This qualitative case study served as a needs assessment to examine how students, parents, and educators perceived and influenced career development within a contemporary high school context, with particular attention to Generation Alpha as its oldest members entered secondary education. To contextualize the study, research on prior generations and evolving career trajectories was reviewed to better understand the shifting landscape shaping this cohort's development. The study was grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994) and informed by a values-based perspective of purpose, examining the interaction between individual beliefs, contextual influences, and emerging career pathways. Data were …

Belongingness And Motivation Among College Students, Noah Seiter

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background/Introduction: Student motivation is influenced by a plethora of variables and factors in educational settings which include the student’s sense of belongingness; however, belonging is often treated as a single construct rather than a dimensional idea. This study addresses the need to differentiate student belongingness into its distinct components of peer belonging and institutional belongingness and examine their unique contributions to levels of student motivation in the collegiate level. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine this distinction between levels of institutional belongingness and peer belongingness as well as their independent and collective influences on motivation among college …

Senior-Level Administrators’ Perceptions Of Deliberately Developmental Organization Principles And Employee Retention At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Caprinia L. Taylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have faced persistent challenges retaining qualified faculty and staff, threatening the environments they are uniquely positioned to create. High turnover, limited professional development, and inadequate support undermine employee well-being and student outcomes. This qualitative phenomenological study explored senior-level administrators’ perceptions of deliberately developmental organization (DDO) principles and their relevance to employee retention at HBCUs. Guided by DDO and organizational culture theory, the study examined how leadership practices, professional development, psychological safety, and organizational culture intersect with retention and belonging. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with participants across diverse HBCU contexts. Participants were selected …

Check-In/Check-Out Implementation Across Grade Levels For Improving Unexcused Absences In A High School Setting, Otis C. Bitsuie

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Chronic absenteeism may contribute to declining graduation rates for many students with disabilities. Students with disabilities face challenges with academic and emotional behaviors. Chronic absenteeism causes students to fall behind with classroom materials, and they are unable to utilize instructional supports, emotional supports, or assistance with transitions. Students with disabilities who miss class often tend to drop out of school, which leads to difficulties with navigating post-high school life. Students who do not obtain a school diploma often experience high unemployment rates, homelessness, and incarceration. Students facing chronic absenteeism need interventions that will improve problem behaviors amongst students. I will …

Turning Me Into We: A Workbook To Improve Relational Communication, Megan N. Charchenko

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Communication is a key factor that contributes to relational satisfaction, yet many couples struggle with communication. I wrote a set of workbooks for couples intended to teach healthy communication skills to help couples overcome their communication barriers. The workbooks cover topics of identity, expectations, boundaries, and physical intimacy. Each chapter utilizes theories and research to educate individuals on communication skills and then guides them through the application of the skills. I wrote a workbook for the individuals and one for the couple to work on together. Together, the workbooks will help couples improve communication and implement healthy communication behaviors regarding …

Cleared For Takeoff, Sydney Steed

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Cleared for Takeoff is a podcast I created aimed at helping aviation students navigate the challenges of flight training and the aviation industry as a whole. Aviation is a unique field filled with new terminology, rigorous testing, as well as demanding training. This can often feel overwhelming to those just starting out. The goal of this podcast is to bring students together, give insight into different training paths, and share real stories from those who have experienced both success and setbacks. Throughout the podcast, I explore what separates students who excel from those who struggle, discuss the pros and cons …

What Do Captains And Lieutenants Believe To Be The Most Effective Professional Development For Fire Officers?, Claudia Haley

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the professional development of fire officers through a blend of research methods and theoretical frameworks. The primary question driving this research is: "What do captains and lieutenants consider to be the most effective professional development for fire officers?" The framework employed to conduct this study was constructivist grounded theory. It was essential to consider the perspectives of those actively working in the industry when developing a professional development program for officers, as their expertise lends significant credibility to the study. The research utilized the Delphi method to identify and ensure the key elements that experts believe are …

Impact Of Campus Leadership Behaviors On Teacher Experiences With Burnout, Carmen Imai

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Teacher burnout continues to be a significant concern in K-12 education, contributing to emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction, teacher attrition, and negative impacts on student learning. While previous research has examined the causes and symptoms of burnout, less attention has been given to how teachers perceive the role of campus leadership in either mitigating or contributing to burnout experiences. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how teachers who have experienced burnout perceive the role of campus administrators within that process. The study was guided by three research questions focused on teachers' experiences with burnout, perceptions of …

From Instructional Design To Student Experience: Engagement As Designed And Experienced In Asynchronous Graduate Education, Francisco Javier Maldonado

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The expansion of asynchronous online learning in graduate education has reshaped instructional delivery; however, concerns persist regarding declining student engagement in fully online environments. While faculty often perceive engagement as sustained through structured course design and digital communication strategies, graduate students report experiences of disconnection, diminished motivation, and limited meaningful interaction. This misalignment in perception presents a significant challenge for graduate programs seeking to promote student success and retention. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how asynchronous online instructional practices influence graduate student engagement within a Master's-level Higher Education Leadership program. Guided by the Academic Constructs of …

Linguistic Experiences And Identity Of Mexican-Origin New Teachers In A Rural District In The U.S.-Mexico Frontera, Patricia L. Ocana

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study is developed with the understanding that the linguistic experiences of Mexican-origin new teachers are situated in the socially constructed Institutional Discourses of U.S. schools in la frontera. Discourses that have historically marked Spanish-speaking identities as deficient while privileging English-only norms. Furthermore, the four maestras in this study are considered active agents in their development as bilingual educators and creators of counter-Discourses that affirm the linguistic and cultural identities of their emergent bilingual students. This study looks at Mexican-origin bilingual educators' vivencias as assets that shaped their journeys into the education profession and continue to shape their pedagogical …

Interprofessional Education For Teachers: Exploring Adult Learning Of Collaboration Through Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, Berenice Peralta Matus

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study examines how participation in an Interprofessional Education (IPE) simulation event influenced participants' understanding of collaboration. Grounded in Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), the study examined how participants made meaning of collaboration, and the barriers to collaboration and interdisciplinary work both at their graduate program and their work environment. Data was collected in three phases and included semi-structured interviews with teachers before and after the event, observation fieldnotes and video of the event. I analyzed the data using CHAT as the interpretative conceptual framework for thematic interpretation of concepts such as mediation, contradictions, division of labor, and activity systems. …

Exploring The Training Experiences Of Adult Taekwondo Practitioners: A Case Study Of A Martial Arts Program In The Southern United States, Nicholas Daniel Ryburn

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Taekwondo has gained increasing prominence among adult practitioners in the United States, offering both physical and psychological benefits. However, despite its popularity, research on Taekwondo has predominantly emphasized youth populations, competitive contexts, or injury epidemiology, with limited attention to the lived experiences of adult practitioners. Adults present distinct needs and challenges in martial arts training, including variability in physical conditioning, age-related health considerations, and constraints associated with family and professional responsibilities. A deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for developing training programs that are both effective and sustainable for adult populations. This dissertation employs a qualitative case study design …

The Impact Of Life Coaching On Self-Efficacy In Personal Goal Setting Among Black Educators In Arkansas, Veronica Cousette Jackson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examines the relationship between life coaching and self-efficacy in personal goal setting among Black educators in Arkansas, with gender explored as a moderating variable. Self-efficacy, grounded in Bandura’s (1997) social cognitive theory, is a central determinant of motivation and goal-directed behavior, influencing persistence, effort, and adaptive strategies. Although life coaching has gained recognition as a professional developmental practice, empirical research remains limited regarding its psychological effects within educator populations and its differential impact across demographic groups (Grant, 2014; Theeboom et al., 2014). This gap is particularly significant for Black educators, who experience disproportionate workforce stress and retention …