Digital Commons Network^™

Critical Discourse Analysis Of Nil Policies: Examining Institutional Control And Economic Opportunities For Division I Football Athletes In Power Four Universities, Allen T. Alvarez

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

The adoption of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies has redefined the economic landscape of collegiate athletics, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and reshaping institutional authority. This dissertation nvestigates how NIL policy language at Division I universities frames economic possibilities for football student-athletes and sustains systems of governance. Through a Critical Discourse Analysis of policy documents from Power Four and mid-major institutions, this study reveals that NIL participation is persistently conditioned by institutional approval, compliance monitoring, and ambiguous definitions, especially regarding boosters and collectives.

Policy language presents NIL as an opportunity but embeds institutional control through oversight structures. The analysis further …

Algorithmic Advantage: How Ai Is Reshaping Ncaa Recruiting Strategy And Athlete Mobility, Lawrence W. Judge, Marshall Magnusen

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming NCAA sports recruiting by offering scalable, data-rich tools that enhance how talent is identified, evaluated, and strategically pursued. Amid the complexities introduced by the transfer portal, name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, and rising recruitment costs, AI enables collegiate programs to make faster, more accurate, and financially informed recruiting decisions. Drawing on examples from emerging technologies and real-world institutional practices, the paper highlights the operational benefits of AI, such as efficiency gains, enhanced evaluation accuracy, and expanded reach to under-resourced or geographically remote athletes. At the same time, it critically explores challenges around algorithmic bias, …

Relationships Win: Human Connection Outperforms Data In Collegiate Athletics, Chris Corr

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) occupy an increasing position and function within the institutional setting of collegiate athletics. At both the departmental and programmatic levels, collegiate athletic stakeholders have consistently increased their reliance on AI and data within decision-making processes and strategic development. Given its importance to competitive success, AI interfaces such as machine-based learning, predictive analysis, and natural language processing has been increasingly integrated within the recruiting process of prospective and transfer athletes. However, while such reliance on data-driven strategies and predictive analytics hold competitive value within the talent identification and evaluation process, the relational role of the …

Embodied Emotion At Scale: Sport As The Collective Emotion Laboratory For Human Development In The Age Of Ai, Hyun-Woo Lee, Junseok Kim, Yelim Yoo, Zhi Lu

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Sport represents humanity’s largest-scale emotion laboratory where intense competitive emotions are practiced within safe boundaries through collective participation. As artificial intelligence evolves to systematize virtual and digital experiences, sport's irreplaceable embodied practice of collective participation becomes more apparent, not less. This conceptual paper demonstrates how artificial intelligence can optimize emotional learning from large-scale sport experiences while highlighting, rather than replacing, their unique human development value. Authors propose a four-level framework positioning sport organizations as comprehensive emotional development centers that leverage AI-powered technologies, including video analytics capturing facial expressions, body movements, and collective synchrony, to systematize emotional intelligence development. The framework …

“The Being Of Being Creative” In Assessment: Learning From The Creative And Performing Arts, Eliana Elkhoury

Turning Toward Being: The Journal of Ontological Inquiry in Education

Assessment design shapes not only what students learn, but who they become as learners. In the era of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), where information is abundant and recall is easily outsourced, higher education assessment must move beyond memorization and toward authentic tasks that cultivate deeper learning and ontological growth. This conceptual, reflective paper argues that assessment should be grounded in students’ mode of being, rather than restricted to knowing, having, or doing. Drawing on Barnett’s ontology of higher education, Biesta’s subjectification, and Su’s epistemological distinctions, this paper positions assessment as a formative site where agency, ownership, identity, and self-understanding can …

2025-12-17 University Graduate Committee Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate., University Graduate Committee.

Faculty Senate Records

Meeting minutes from the University Graduate Committee from December 17, 2025.

2025 Fall - Commencement Program, Office Of The Registrar, East Tennessee State University

ETSU Commencement Ceremonies and Programs

No abstract provided.

Predicting The Unpredictable: Advancing Risk Management In Fitness Centers Through Data Science-Driven Judicial Outcome Modeling, Hongyoung Kim

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

This study developed a prediction model of judicial outcomes in fitness exercise-related injury lawsuits to identify key factors influencing fitness centers’ success in litigation. Using 209 U.S. court cases from Westlaw, Phase One employed text mining and content analysis to identify legal variables. Phase Two applied descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression to evaluate the combined influence of these variables on judicial outcomes. For the multiple logistic regression analysis, the sample size was reduced to 184 cases after excluding 25 remanded cases.

Results showed that victim behavior, hazardous facility conditions, and enforceable waivers or exculpatory clause defenses significantly predicted judicial …

Leading With Joy And Purpose, Sonika Masih Dr., Krsiti Oeding Dr.

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

In academia, success is often defined by achievements such as publications, tenure, and promotions. However, a performance-driven culture overshadows joy and purpose, leading to burnout and disengagement. Recent studies reveal that over 64% of faculty report high levels of burnout, with even higher rates among women and minority professors (Vyletel et al., 2023). This paper, Leading with Joy and Purpose, explores how fostering an emotional culture of joy enhances educator well-being, retention, and institutional success. Drawing on research by Dixon (2022), Whitsed et al. (2022, 2024), and Aboramadan et al. (2023), how psychological safety, recognition, autonomy, and meaningful connection to …

December 2025 Faculty Senate Packet, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Packets

No abstract provided.

An Introduction To The Ai Special Issue And A Modern Framework For Ai In Sport Management, Jun Woo Kim, Vitaly Ford

Journal of Applied Sport Management

This paper introduces the special issue while also exploring the theoretical foundations and practical applications of AI in sport management, guided by Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (Russell & Norvig, 2021). The manuscript examines AI’s evolution from rule-based systems to large language models (LLM)–driven intelligent agents and classifies the technology into five major subfields—machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and AI agency. Using real-world sport industry examples and recent academic research, this paper presents a modern taxonomy of AI’s role in sport management, articulates managerial implications, and outlines future research directions necessary for sustainable and ethical integration …

Perceived Organizational Support Of High-Performance Support Staff Members In Professional Soccer Organizations., Erica B. Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore perceived organizational support among high-performance support staff (HPSS) within professional soccer organizations. Specifically, this study examined how HPSS define organizational support, identified factors that shape their perceptions, explored organizational challenges they experience, and analyzed how those challenges intersect with their perceptions of support. Organizational Support Theory (OST) and its central construct, Perceived Organizational Support (POS), served as the theoretical framework guiding this study. OST assumes employees form global beliefs about the extent to which their organization values their contributions and cares about their well-being. To address the study’s purpose, a basic interpretive …

Lanthorn, Vol. 60, No. 08, December 1, 2025, Grand Valley State University

Volume 60, August 4, 2025 – April 20, 2026

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Cultivating A Sense Of Community: International Students Navigating Community Engaged Learning Opportunities In Line With Their Social Goals, Katherine Lyon, Nicole Malette

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

International students often envision their time studying abroad with particular academic, professional, social, linguistic, and identity-related goals in mind (Fong, 2011; Jones, 2013; Montgomery & McDowell, 2009; Page, 2019; Page & Chahboun, 2019). Post-secondary institutions can provide resources and opportunities to help this heterogeneous group of students bring their vision into fruition. One such opportunity is community engaged learning (CEL), which has been shown to help students expand their social and academic abilities as they make contributions to an organization (Arnold, 2019; Greenberg, London & McKay, 2020; Mayer et al., 2019). Through in-depth interviews with 25 new international students who …

The Current - Volume 36 Issue 5, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Leadership Communication, Heather Arlen, Eli Bruess, Mitchell Buerkle, Ali Gravelle, Magdalen Kramer

Leadership Education Newsletters

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Study Of College Student-Athletes Using The Job Demands-Resources Model: A Case For Understanding Student-Athletes As Employees, Michael Spooner, Asia Eaton, Anthony Weems, Tiffany Munro

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

This research conceptualizes the NCAA Division I student-athlete position as similar to a position of employment utilizing the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model developed by Bakker & Demerouti (2017) from the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. We utilize qualitative methods to conduct an exploratory study that assesses the characteristics of student-athletes through analysis of perceived role demands, role resources, and personal resources using a sample of using a sample of 30 student-athletes (15 men, 15 women) at mostly large Division I universities across the U.S. Data were analyzed utilizing thematic analysis and revealed the various demands that student-athletes faced, as well as …

From Isolation To Integration: The Influence Of Community Engagement With Special Olympics On Ncaa Athletes Experiencing Role Conflict, Grace Fetherstonhaugh, Kirsten Hextrum

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Role conflict is prevalent for college athletes across varying competitive levels, sport types, and identities. Recent reform to the collegiate athletic model, such as enabling college athletes (CAs) to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness, may create additional demands and conflicts for participants. Despite the plethora of research into college athletes’ experiences with role conflict, few studies examine possible solutions. This study offers a novel intervention to role conflict through a community engagement (CE) program. Short, immersive, contributions to one’s local environment can improve social connections, limit negative mental health effects, and generate a higher sense of purpose, all …

“People Need To Hear More About This Esports Team”: Exploring Esports College Athletes’ Transition Experiences, Kibaek Kim, Rhema Fuller, Nick Davidson

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

With the increase of attention towards esports in both industry and academia, volumes of research have been conducted to support professional esports athletes and esports college-athletes (ECAs). Although studies exploring professional esports athletes' transition experiences were available, little to none was known about this experience for ECAs. Based on Schlossberg’s transition theory and previous studies exploring the transition experiences of traditional sports student-athletes, this study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of ECAs’ transition experience. This study conducted three focus group interviews with four ECAs in each group who played the same game. The result of this study showed there …

Navigating Intersections: How Stereotypes And Oppression Shape Black Women Student-Athletes’ College Journeys, Tomika Ferguson, Cherese Fine

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Black women college athletes navigate intersections of race, gender, and athletic ability within predominantly White institutions (PWIs). They can face stereotype threat, racialized academic expectations, and pressures to conform to dominant institution norms. This qualitative study explores the college experiences of Black women college athletes at a predominantly White institution (PWI), focusing on how intersecting oppressions and stereotypes influence their academic, social, and athletic lives. Guided by Black feminist thought (BFT) and stereotype threat theory, the research addresses two questions: What are the college experiences of BWCAs, and how do stereotypes affect these experiences? Findings reveal that pre-college experiences in …

2025 Annual Justice Festival Program, Caudill College Of Arts, Humanities, And Social Sciences

Justice Festival at Morehead State University

The program for the 5th Annual Justice Festival held on November 18, 2023 on the campus of Morehead State University.

Lanthorn, Vol. 60, No. 07, November 10, 2025, Grand Valley State University

Volume 60, August 4, 2025 – April 20, 2026

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

Exploring Di College Coaches’ Perceptions Of Holistic Coaching And The Factors Impacting Their Ability To Succeed In The Current College Sports Landscape, Deborah V. Hogan Phd

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

In the highly competitive Division I (DI) college sports system, coaches are expected to produce winning programs while developing their college athletes holistically. Recent changes in NCAA policies complicate the coach-athlete relationship, hindering coaches' ability to serve as effective holistic leaders. This study uses grounded theory to understand how DI coaches in high-profile sports perceive their roles as holistic leaders and manage external challenges to provide holistic college athlete experiences. Semi-structured interviews with 12 football and women’s basketball coaches revealed five main themes: 1) coaches are educators, 2) strategies for holistic coaching, 3) supporting Black college athletes, 4) college sports …

Do Sports Develop Leadership? The Impact Of College Varsity Sports On Leadership Capacity And Self-Efficacy, Benjamin Correia-Harker, Lindsey M. Clark, Jacob J. Capin

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Effective leadership in sports is associated with better team functioning, physical and psychosocial wellbeing, and reduced incidence of severe injuries. In spite of widespread anecdotal support, few studies have empirically evaluated leadership development in athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate socially responsible leadership capacity and self-efficacy in college varsity athletes and determine the impact of competitive sports participation on leadership capacity and self-efficacy. We hypothesized that college varsity athletes would (1) exhibit greater leadership capacity and self-efficacy than nonathletes and (2) demonstrate greater growth in leadership capacity and self-efficacy than nonathletes.

Methods: The Multi-Institutional Study of …

Proceedings Of The Global Conference On Business And Economics, Bhuvan Unhelkar, Valentina Della Corte, Cihan Cobanoglu, Mehmet Erdem

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This is the third volume of the Global Conference on Business and Economics Proceedings Series. This volume also includes papers presented at the Global Conference on Technology & AI in Hospitality and Tourism.

2025 November, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for November of 2025.

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …