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Winter 2026, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Office Of Institutional Advancement And Alumni

Echoes from the Hill

From The Interim President

Fellow members of the SWOSU Community,

I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve Southwestern Oklahoma State University for nearly three decades. As the Spring 2026 semester gets underway, we welcome the opportunity to pause and reflect on what we have learned—and what we continue to achieve together.

The bonds formed among our students, faculty, and staff as we deliver high quality, affordable programs of instruction and training are deep and enduring. The Southwestern Spirit—marked by friendly cooperation, thoughtful inquiry, and hard work—gives SWOSU a distinctive strength and instills in our graduates a lasting sense …

Spring/Summer 2026, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Office Of Institutional Advancement And Alumni

Echoes from the Hill

From The President

SWOSU Community,

SWOSU is 125 years old this year, and 2026 has been an exciting year here on the Hilltop! We are gearing up for a great Fall Semester!

This issue of Echoes highlights the wonderful time we had in the Spring when our students, faculty, and staff joined donors, alumni, dignitaries, and community leaders from throughout Oklahoma and beyond for the dedication of the Jerry & Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy & Rural Health. The Center represents an innovative private-public partnership that will enable our university to graduate more healthcare professionals to meet the workforce needs …

Supporting Risky Outdoor Play Through Professional Development: A Quasi-Experimental Study Of Tk–6 Educators’ Attitudes, Justin Ross Burrill

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Children’s opportunities for active outdoor risky play have declined in many educational settings, despite evidence that manageable risk supports physical activity, self-regulation, confidence, resilience, and social participation. Educator attitudes and school culture may play an important role in determining whether children are offered developmentally appropriate opportunities for challenge, exploration, and autonomy. This quasi-experimental, single-group pretest-posttest study examined whether participation in a single-session professional development workshop was associated with changes in educators’ tolerance of risk in children’s play. Thirty educators attended a workshop focused on risky play, hazard-risk differentiation, inclusion of children with disabilities, loose-parts play, environmental affordances, and practitioner-informed implementation …

Revised Microbiology Core Knowledge Objectives For Modern Undergraduate Medical Education, Timothy J. Bauler, Cindy G. Arvidson, Samina Akbar, Dennis N. Arvidson, Margaret E. Bauer, Dwayne M. Baxa, Rebecca J. Greenblatt, Kerstin Honer Zu Bentrup, Yingguang Liu, Inaia Phoenix, Julie A. Kerry

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Defining the core content for each scientific discipline in a modern preclinical medical education curriculum is critical to ensure optimal student learning and application of foundational knowledge for clinical practice. Attendees of the Association of Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs (AMSMIC) Educational Strategies Workshop recently highlighted the need for updated medical microbiology learning objectives, given the shift in medical education toward less time for preclinical coursework and more integrated learning. Herein, we describe the process of developing a comprehensive, educator-driven set of knowledge objectives for medical microbiology. These objectives emphasize common pathogens, as well as pathogens associated with severe …

Nourishing Roots: Supporting Indigenous Food Education In School Gardens, Tatiana Marina Patino Madriaga

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This project asked: How can a school garden at Hoopa Valley Elementary support Indigenous food education, student well-being, and relational learning? To explore this question, I designed and implemented a garden classroom and facilitated hands-on garden and culinary workshops with students.

The garden was planned in September, built in October, and had plants in the ground by November. Over the course of the project, I facilitated four workshops, one Earth Day community event, and weekly garden classes. Approximately 350 students participated in the garden in some capacity, reflecting broad, school-wide engagement.

Methods included participant observation, documentation of student engagement, and …

Interest, Self-Efficacy, And Belonging In Classroom Learning, K. Ann Renninger, Lux K. Barton , '21, Gia Bautista , '23, Mary Garcia-Barrios , '24, Iyinoluwa Ogunyinka , '24, Kathryn R. Riley

Educational Studies Faculty Works

Students’ interest, self-efficacy, and belonging are considered essential for classroom learning, as each has been shown to promote sustained engagement and school achievement. However, our review of the literature suggested that research on interest, self-efficacy, and belonging is largely siloed. To address practitioner questions about supporting classroom learning by working with the three variables, we added a mixed-method pilot study to the review process. Pilot participants were Black, middle-school-age youth living in a low-income community, who were enrolled in a five-week, inquiry-informed science workshop facilitated by a Black professor. Findings showed that during learning, interest, self-efficacy, and belonging were increasingly …

Institutional Responses To Racial Incidents In California Public Higher Education: A Qualitative Historical Document Analysis, Shannon Dominique Quihuiz

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Despite stated commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, racial incidents remain a persistent structural problem on college and university campuses. These incidents encompass a wide taxonomy of racialized harm, ranging from bias-motivated violence and hate symbols to controversial White supremacist speakers, structural inequities, and interpersonal microaggressions. Administrators responding to these incidents must navigate complex, often competing tensions between fostering safe, inclusive learning environments and upholding civil liberties protections, all while operating under intense political scrutiny, public relations pressures, and legal risk. To understand how these tensions are rhetorically managed, this qualitative historical document study examined how California public higher education …

The Dunning-Kruger Effect In Sixth Grade Adolescents: Improving Metacognition For Self-Regulated Learning, Julie H. Chen

Scripps Senior Theses

The Dunning-Kruger (DK) effect is a cognitive bias where low-performing individuals overestimate their own abilities, and top-performing individuals underestimate their own abilities relative to their peers. The purpose of this proposed study is to investigate the DK effect in sixth grade adolescents and to use metacognition as an intervention to improve self-assessment calibrations. This study will investigate adolescents in Piaget’s formal operational stage, aiming to improve metacognition levels. The study will occur over 12 weeks, and participants will be given a preparation handbook with or without metacognition activities for the purpose of preparing for the California Assessment of Student Performance …

Changing Student Perspectives On Alcohol, Smoking & Vaping Through The Use Of Tetrahymena, Courtney Hausner, Douglas L. Chalker, Alexandra Forgerson, Carol E. Colaninno, Alison Brockhouse, Rachel Ruggirello

Institute for School Partnership: Research & Publications

We describe the redesign and classroom testing of an Advancing Secondary Science Education through Tetrahymena (ASSET) module addressing adolescent alcohol, smoking, and vaping. Using the 5E instructional model, the module has students investigate how alcohol, cigarette smoke extract, and vape extract affect the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena, an accessible proxy for effects on ciliated human respiratory cells. Students analyze public health data, conduct guided and self-designed investigations, and create outreach posters communicating evidence-based risks to peers. We report on observations from two classroom implementations, describing gains in students' ability to articulate toxicology concepts, connect cellular findings to whole-body health, and express …

Evaluating Rate Of Perceived Exertion And Heart Rate In High School Weight Training Students For Assessing, Enhancing, And Maintaining Health-Related Fitness, Nicholas Searcy

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study evaluated the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) among high school weight-training students during circuit training sessions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RPE could serve as a practical method for gauging moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among high school weight-training students while allowing students to assess and enhance their health-related components of fitness. Participants were high school students enrolled in weight-training classes who completed upper- and lower-body circuit training sessions over a 4-week period, or a total of 16 school days. RPE was self-reported using Borg’s CR10 …

How-To: Academic Job Interviews (In The United States), Erin K. Peck, Kendall Valentine, Serina S. Wittyngham, Jessie S. Turner

OES Faculty Publications

[Introduction] "I (EKP) bombed my first interview on the tenure-track academic market. After I entered the Zoom room filled with search committee volunteers, the chair performed a quick round of introductions, and I was told that I would have strictly five minutes to answer each question. I smiled nervously, wringing my hands under the desk, and waited to be asked to derive a diagenetic equation or defend the methods I used in my recent manuscript.

“We'll start with something easy. Tell us about yourself,” began the chair.

I opened my mouth. I closed my mouth. My mind went blank. “Um …

Impact Of Single-Gender Education On Academic Performance, Stacey Wilcher

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the performance of middle school students Grades 6–8 in single-gender versus coeducational schools in a large urban district in the southeastern United States. It evaluates whether single-gender education leads to better academic outcomes and higher engagement, offering important insights for educational leaders and policymakers.

The study utilized Social Cognitive Theory and gender segregation theory through a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data from standardized assessments (2021-2025) like the GMAS and MAP. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA, were used to assess academic performance. Qualitative data from interviews and focus groups explored classroom engagement and teaching practices.

Participants included …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2025-2026, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Teaching Primary Sources To Increase Engagement And Build Literacy, Lindsey L. Beaulieu

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reviews the use of primary sources in education. This literature review analyzes 30 articles regarding educators’ use of primary sources. There are four major themes within the articles: literacy with primary sources, engagement with primary sources, comprehension with primary sources, and examples of primary source units or lessons. While specific teaching topics vary, the overall consensus is that primary sources can help students’ skills with literacy, engagement, and comprehension. A main topic among the research is the educators’ understanding of scaffolding, pre-teaching, choosing primary sources, and re-using the primary sources, to be able to teach students effectively.

The Effect Of Occupational Roles, Burnout, And Efficacy On Job Satisfaction Among K-12 Teachers, Chloe Schwahn

Masters Theses

The aim of this study was to investigate variables that may impact the ratings of job satisfaction by practicing Illinois K-12 teachers specifically examining if the variables of occupational roles, burnout, efficacy, and other relevant covariates are correlated and/or have predictive utility on teacher job satisfaction. A secondary goal was to raise awareness about the stressors teachers face in their work environments. Survey materials included a demographics questionnaire, an occupational roles catalog, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale, and the Teacher Job Satisfaction Scale. Seventy-six practicing Illinois K-12 teachers completed the study. Results of the current …

From Glass Ceilings To Balustrades: The Barriers And Supports In Gender-Balanced Corporate Boards Through The Lens Of Activity Theory, Erica Joy Thompson Dias

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine, through the lens of activity theory (AT), barriers individuals on public company boards of directors experienced in achieving or maintaining gender balance and supports that mitigated those barriers.

Methodology: Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 16 directors representing 13 gender-balanced public company boards. Data were coded using the AT framework, which conceptualizes human activity through interacting components including subject, object, rules, tools, community, and division of labor. In this study, barriers were tensions that obstructed progress toward gender balance, and supports were methods, resources, or actions that mitigated those …

An Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study Identifying And Describing The Perceived Impact Of Five Disruptive Career Skills On Women’S Career Advancement To An Executive Leadership, Roque Ramirez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this explanatory mixed-methods study was to identify and describe the perceived impact of Johnson and Mohr’s (2019) five disruptive career skills on the career advancement of female chief petty officers with a military background as they progressed into a leadership position.Methodology: This explanatory mixed-methods study examined the experienced of eight female chief petty officers regarding the use of personal disruption strategies. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on predetermined eligibility criteria and recommendations. Data were collected and analyzed by calculating means scores for quantitative responses and identifying qualitative themes related to the five personal disruption …

The Role Of Academic Vocabulary Instruction In Supporting Secondary English Learners' Science Proficiency, Chue Seng Her

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examines the extent to which academic vocabulary instruction influences secondary English learners’ (ELs’) science proficiency. Science learning requires students to interpret complex texts, engage in academic discourse, and construct evidence-based explanations using discipline-specific language, which may present challenges for ELs. This review provides an overview of research on language demands in science and instructional approaches that support vocabulary development. Findings indicate that academic vocabulary plays a critical role in students’ ability to comprehend scientific content, participate in discourse, and communicate reasoning effectively. Instructional approaches such as explicit vocabulary instruction, scaffolding, discourse-based strategies, reciprocal teaching, cognitive strategy instruction, …

A Chronic Pain Self-Management Quality Improvement Bundle For Veterans, Srijana D. Baniya

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Veterans often face challenges accessing care services due to limited awareness of available resources for support, Self-care, and mental health (Harding et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2024). Given the high prevalence of Chronic pain and opioid use in this population, Self-management (SM) education and non-pharmacologic interventions are required to address the biological, psychological, and social effects of pain (Bair et al., 2015; Mumba et al., 2024; Nahin, 2017; Higgins et al., 2020). This Quality improvement project aims to determine whether implementing an evidence-based SM bundle for chronic pain improved Pain severity scores and increased understanding of SM strategies. …

Common Data Set, Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern Common Datasets

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Clinical Reasoning Labs’ Impact On Student Self-Efficacy In Pediatric Physical Therapy Education, Bethany Early

Dissertations

All graduates of entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs must be competent to work with patients across the lifespan and high levels of perceived self-efficacy (SE) may be a predictor of future success. Experiential learning is an effective teaching and learning strategy used within Pediatric PT education (PedPTE). This study examined the extent to which pediatric clinical reasoning labs impact student SE within PedPTE, and to what extent does previous experience or interest in pediatrics have on perceived SE.

The methodology was a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. Quantitative data collection included 27 second year DPT students, utilizing …

Three Faculty Members Begin Retirement, Jennifer Vermeer

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Lessons Of The Body, Sarah Moss

The Voice

No abstract provided.

What Dordt Taught Me, Sarah Moss, Malachi Myers

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Leaders Are Learners, Sarah Moss

The Voice

No abstract provided.

"What Does It Mean If I Am Silent?”: Bipoc And Lgbtq+ Educators’ Narratives Of Identity, Responsibility, And Student Protection, Julie Nicole Von Stein

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative study examined how BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators describe their experiences navigating curriculum restrictions and book bans in politically restrictive educational environments, their perceptions of administrator support, and how their identities uniquely shape their decisions about resistance and risk. Grounded in Scott’s theory of everyday resistance, the study explored the ways BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators make decisions about resistance when curricular content connected to race, gender, sexuality, and marginalized identities is challenged or restricted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with educators who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+, allowing participants to describe their experiences, decision-making processes, perceived risks, and …

The Adolescent Development Of Small Business Owners’ Entrepreneurial Mindset, Fern Arredondo

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe how small business owners in Southern California interpret experiences before age 20 that influenced the development of the eight domains of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Entrepreneurial Mindset Index (EMI). This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore how adult small business owners reflect upon and interpret experiences before age 20 that influenced the development of their entrepreneurial mindset. By examining the influence of pre-adulthood on these owners, the study aimed to deepen the understanding of how early experiences shape entrepreneurial mindsets and contribute to long-term entrepreneurial success. …

Wild Rice Life Cycle: An Integrated Science, Social Studies, And Ela Lesson, Rhett Zima, Lily Deming

OER Materials

This lesson is designed to deepen students’ understanding of wild rice, a plant native to Minnesota, by integrating life science concepts such as structure, function, life cycles, and seed dispersal with prior knowledge from English Language Arts and Social Studies. Using the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), students participate in a structured, inquiry-based learning experience. They begin by connecting to prior knowledge and generating questions, then investigating the life cycle and growth patterns of wild rice through hands-on exploration. As students build their understanding, they analyze how the plant’s seed dispersal supports its survival and reproduction. …

Supporting Core Instruction: A Mixed Methods Study Of Foundations Of Math Training For Elementary Teachers, Naomi C. Mallory

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Effective Tier 1 mathematics instruction within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) depends on the teacher’s ability to implement research-based instructional practices with confidence and fidelity (Berkeley et al., 2020; Cleaver, 2023). The purpose of this study was to explore educators' perspectives on how explicit, research-based mathematics professional development influenced their perceived capacity to deliver effective core instruction. Specifically, the study explored how the Foundations of Math (FoM) professional development course affected teachers’ confidence and instructional decision-making. This study was conducted within one public school district and included elementary educators who had participated in the FoM course. Data were collected …

Erased From The Permanent Record: Data Collection Practices And Non-Binary Student Experiences In School, Ashley Carey, Peter Piazza

Education Faculty Publications

State education data systems often undercount non-binary students, constraining schools’ ability to support them. This study examines the scope and implications of non-binary erasure in school data collection. Drawing on survey responses from nearly 13,000students across seven Massachusetts districts, we find that current practices substantially undercount non-binary students, who also report less positive experiences of school culture, including student–teacher relationships, belonging, and emotional safety. Although inclusive data could guide efforts to create more supportive environments, districts face growing political resistance from parent organizations aligned with the White Christian Nationalist movement. These groups frame inclusivity as a threat to parental rights. …