Digital Commons Network^™

2026 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

SoTL Commons Conference

No abstract provided.

Celebrities, Personalities, And Drinking Styles, Madeleine Krueger

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study replicated and extended the findings of Hill et al. by examining the influence of sociocultural factors, vulnerable and grandiose narcissism, and related psychological variables on drunkorexia behaviors. The replication was expanded to include body dissatisfaction and celebrity worship, as prior literature suggests these variables may be strongly associated with disordered eating and alcohol-related compensatory behaviors. Results indicated that body dissatisfaction emerged as a significant predictor of drunkorexia, supporting previous research that links negative body image with maladaptive weight-control behaviors surrounding alcohol consumption. Several limitations should be noted, including the use of a single-university sample, reliance on a cross-sectional …

Security-Oriented Voice Authentication Using Machine Learning, Ifeoluwa Stella Elegbe

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study develops and evaluates a machine learning and deep learning-based voice authentication system for secure identity verification. As traditional authentication methods such as passwords, PINs, and security tokens continue to face challenges, including identity theft, forgetting, and unauthorized access, voice biometrics offers a more secure, convenient, and user-friendly alternative, especially for remote, hands-free, and accessibility-focused applications. The study adopts a closed-set speaker identification framework, where the system determines the most likely speaker from a predefined group of enrolled users. A structured methodology is implemented, beginning with audio preprocessing and feature extraction. Key acoustic features, including Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), …

The Impact Of Belonging To Identity-Based Student Organizations On Minority Stress In A Midwestern Predominantly White University, Mallory Millet, Akanksha Das, Christian C. Garcia, Rose Marie Ward

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Minoritized students are exposed to additional unique stressors due to the systematic devaluation of their identities (i.e., minority stress). Additionally, minoritized students report higher levels of mental health concerns than their peers (e.g., anxiety, depression). Identity-based student organizations can be one avenue that universities could use to support these students. These organizations, designed to build social connections among students with shared experiences, may reduce minority stress through fostering students’ sense of belonging. However, the relationship between sense of belonging, minority stress, and identity-based student organizations has yet to be studied. The present study used quantitative and qualitative methods to understand …

“Maybe I’M Not Valued Here”: Organizational Toxins In Student Affairs, William R. Bowey Jr

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Organizations of student affairs are dynamic entities that are situated to support the learning, growth, development, and wellbeing of students. However, like any organization, they may contain toxins that detract from these goals. This study situates ambiguity and exploitation as organizational toxins faced by individuals in student affairs. The conceptualization of organizational toxins is novel to the student affairs literature, and the findings provide fertile ground for future research and the implementation of strategies to mitigate toxins in student affairs.

Good Trouble For Good Debt? A Comparative Analysis Of Financial Factors And Racial Differences In U.S. Student Loan Debt Burdens, Carlton R. Smith, Kim E. Bullington, Matthew J. Smith

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This study examines the relationship surrounding undergraduate student loan debt burdens and income levels post-graduation, focusing particularly on the financial impacts of both on Black student borrowers. Using two datasets from the National Center for Education Statistics, our quantitative analysis highlights that while student loan debt in and of itself is not problematic in theory, when combined with other factors and barriers, debt becomes an additional stressor potentially impeding student success during and after college. We offer short-, intermediate-, and long-term implications, while also highlighting examples of targeted intervention programs tailored to specifically benefit Black student borrowers.

The Liminal Space Of Invisible Disability: An Educator And Doctoral Student Autoethnography, Tina Michelle Samuels

Georgia Educational Researcher

This autoethnographic study explores the liminality of navigating academia as both a remote doctoral student and a college instructor living with invisible, fluctuating chronic illnesses. Grounded in standpoint epistemology and the rallying cry of "Nothing About Us, Without Us," the author examines the "Crip Liminality" of occupying a threshold between the able-bodied majority and established disability categories. Through the lens of Spoon Theory and "bodywork," the article details how conditions like Fibromyalgia, POTS, and Interstitial Cystitis disrupt traditional academic rhythms, necessitating remote environments as essential adaptations rather than luxuries. The paper identifies critical gaps in current institutional accommodation models, which …

More Than Just Multiculturally Competent: Doctoral Student Competency And Preparedness To Work With Individuals With Disabilities, Kristen N. Dickens, Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson, Synthia Best

Georgia Educational Researcher

Phenomenological inquiry was used to interview counselor education doctoral students about their experiences and perceived competency and preparedness to counsel individuals with disabilities. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) continuous self-directed learning, (2) disability is multifaceted, misunderstood, and evolving, and (3) influential learning factors. Implications and recommendations for counselor educators and training programs are provided.

Examining The Multilevel Effects Of Instructional Leadership On Teachers’ Professional Commitment And Classroom Management, Nuruddin Ahmed Masud, San Su Su San, Kim Ki Bong, Mst Taherun Nesa Subarna

Georgia Educational Researcher

This study examined the multilevel effects of instructional leadership on teachers’ professional commitment and classroom management in secondary schools. Using a multilevel modeling (MLM) approach, data were collected from 250 teachers nested within 8 schools. The analysis assessed the influence of both school-level instructional leadership and teachers’ perceptions of leadership on professional commitment and classroom management outcomes.

Results indicated that instructional leadership at both levels significantly predicted teachers’ professional commitment (teacher-level: β = .32, p < .001; school-level: β = .45, p < .001). Similarly, instructional leadership demonstrated significant positive effects on classroom management (teacher-level: β = .28, p < .001; school-level: β = .41, p < .001). Furthermore, teacher professional commitment was positively associated with classroom management (β = .36, p < .001) and moderated the relationship between instructional leadership and classroom management, such that the effect was stronger under higher levels of leadership support.

These findings highlight the importance of instructional leadership in shaping teacher-related outcomes across organizational levels. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence …

A Real-Time Autonomous Mobile Robotic System For Crack Detection And 3d Laser Profiling In Construction Using Two-Stage Deep Learning, Emmanuella Ogun

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents an autonomous mobile robotic system that integrates real-time visual crack detection with laser-based three-dimensional profiling for building inspection. The system coordinates SLAM-based navigation, deep learning perception, and manipulator-guided measurement within a unified ROS 2 framework, enabling scan-on-demand workflows where laser profiling occurs selectively at visually detected defect locations. The detection pipeline employs a two-stage architecture combining U-Net semantic segmentation with Pix2Pix residual refinement, achieving 73.9% mean intersection-over-union and 76.4% F1-score on the CrackSeg9k benchmark while maintaining 16 frames-per-second real-time throughput. Real-world validation demonstrated 95% detection success on 80 campus images under challenging conditions. The profiling subsystem utilizes …

Examining Firefighter Perceptions Of Stress And Recovery Across A Shift And Engagement In Recovery Activities, Nathan T. Ebersole

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The occupational demands of firefighting, such as fire suppression and rescue tasks, working in hazardous conditions, inconsistent sleep patterns, and exposure to traumatic events, can lead to work-related injuries, burnout, and feelings of isolation. To date, there is limited research on the impact of a single work-shift on firefighter perceptions of stress and recovery and the recovery activities that may influence these perceptions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a single work-shift on firefighter perceptions of stress and recovery status as well as the recovery activities firefighters choose to engage in. Forty-three firefighters across …

Professional Learning Community Implementation And Perceptions Of Influence On School Culture, Herbert L. Chambers Jr.

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As school leaders strive to achieve educational success at all levels in schools, this research provided educational professionals with feedback on how the implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs) is perceived as influencing school culture. The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative survey design was to examine how educators perceived that school culture is influenced by the practice of PLCs. Descriptive statistics were calculated for 57 survey items. This research design provided the perceptions of school leaders, teachers, and support staff at the elementary, middle, and high school levels based on five identified dimensions of the Professional Learning Community Assessment – …

"Spectrum", Mackinzey H. Critzer

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

These body of works explores themes centered around ASD/Autism Spectrum Disorder, including symptoms involved, my personal views/experiences of it, social issues, and other related topics. My work consists of various mediums, digital pieces/prints and physical installations that involve bright color tones, human/humanoid figures, and various symbols.

I Am Because We Are: A Narrative Inquiry Of Waiver Teachers’ Sense Of Belonging In Title I High Schools, Bernard Young

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative narrative inquiry examined how former waiver teachers in low-performing Title I high schools in Georgia experienced a sense of belonging within their school communities and how that sense of belonging influenced their engagement in professional learning and their perceived effectiveness in supporting student achievement. Grounded in the Belongingness Hypothesis and guided by narrative inquiry methodology, the study framed participants’ experiences through the Bildungsroman structure to explore their journeys of professional becoming. Data were collected using a life-story interview protocol that combined open-ended narrative invitations with responsive follow-up questioning and were analyzed through a multi-phase narrative inquiry process informed …

Association Between Internet Use For Health Information And Alzheimer’S Disease Diagnosis Among Older Adults With Diabetes In The United States: Examining Racial And Gender Disparities, Henry M. Zeidan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study uses data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Round 13, collected in 2024, to examine whether internet use for health information is associated with Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis among older adults with diabetes in the United States. Given the rising adoption of digital health, understanding who benefits from online health resources is increasingly important. The research also examines whether these associations differ across racial and gender groups, offering insight into potential disparities in digital health engagement and cognitive outcomes. Findings from this study will inform clinical practice, public health programming, and strategies to ensure equitable access …

Recruitment Strategies For Rural Black Students At Georgia Colleges And Universities: From An Admissions Counselor Perspective, Jayde B. Nelson

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores the recruitment practices of admissions counselors at colleges and universities in the state of Georgia, with a focused lens on their efforts to engage and enroll Black students from rural high schools. The study investigates how geographic isolation, racial identity, and systemic inequalities converge to shape the college access landscape for underrepresented students in rural communities. Using a qualitative approach grounded in Culturally Responsive Leadership as the theoretical framework, this research examines the strategies, barriers, and institutional priorities that influence outreach efforts and recruitment outcomes. By analyzing admissions counselor perspectives and institutional approaches, the study found that …

Exploring Psychological Safety And Workforce Experiences Among Employees In Recovery Community Organizations In The Southern United States: A Qualitative Study, Claire-Lorentz Ugo-Ike

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how employees in Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) in the Southern United States experience psychological safety and how these experiences shape employee well-being and their intentions to stay or leave their organizations. Guided by Edmondson’s Psychological Safety Theory and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, the study examined how leadership practices, workplace culture, and the emotional demands of recovery support work shape employees’ perception of safety, support, and sustainability in the workforce. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 RCO employees working in various peer support roles. Thematic analysis identified five major themes: (1) leadership behaviors shape psychological safety …

Negotiating Disability Stigma In Undergraduate Students With Academic Accommodations, Demetruis Leonard, Pietro A. Sasso

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

To understand how undergraduate students diagnosed with a disability who receive academic accommodations negotiate stigma, this phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at a midwestern private university using Gibson's (2006) Disability Identity Development Model. Findings from this study of six undergraduates receiving academic accommodations suggest they qualified for reasonable accommodations to guarantee equal access and mitigate the impact of their diagnosed ADHD, depression, and/or anxiety and were granted academic accommodations such as extended time for testing and assignments. These students also used family, friends, and peers to support the navigation of the negative stigma of being perceived as “lazy” or “taking …

Navigating Hunger And Academic Success: College Students’ Experiences With Food Insecurity And Campus Food Pantries, Casey J. Weaver, Carl H. Sorgen, Cordelia D. Zinskie

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Food insecurity is a growing issue faced by many college students, and there is an increasing call for more qualitative research examining food insecurity on college campuses. It may be posited that students who experience food insecurity but have access to resources are more likely to succeed academically than those without access to such resources. This research examined how the resources provided to college students experiencing food insecurity influenced their academic success at a university in the United States. This study explored the experience of four students who identified as food insecure and utilized campus resources to address this issue. …

Conceptualizations Of Hazing: An Exploratory Study Using Lukes’ Three Dimensions Of Power, David James Kerschner, Emily Feuer, Elizabeth J. Allan

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Building on connections between hazing and power in the literature, we analyzed data generated from campus hazing climate interviews with 308 participants (209 staff members, 99 students) at nine research universities in the United States. Our analysis draws on Lukes’ (1974, 2005) three dimensions of power as a conceptual framework and highlights how each of these dimensions is embedded in staff member and student definitions, conceptualizations, and understandings of hazing. Findings and subthemes for each of Lukes’ dimensions are shared and described, illuminating sources of power associated with each dimension. This investigation reveals important nuances associated with hazing, aligning with …

Racial Discrimination And Racial Identity Among Asian College Students: The Moderating Role Of Interdependent Self-Construal, Foong Yan Lee, Qianyi Wang, Eunseon Gong

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

The current study examined the moderating role of interdependent self-construal in the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and racial group identification among 130 Asian college students at a U.S. institution. Using moderation regression analyses, results indicated that perceived racial discrimination was associated with lower racial group identification, and this relationship was significantly moderated by interdependent self-construal. Specifically, racial discrimination was negatively associated with racial group identification among students reporting lower levels of interdependent self-construal, whereas this association was not significant among those with higher interdependent self-construal. These findings suggest that individual differences in self-construal shape how Asian college students interpret …

Where You Work Still Matters: A Content Analysis, Catherine E. Gonzalez, Ramona Meraz Lewis, Brianne Steele

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This qualitative content analysis examines institutional differences in student affairs work through 234 articles from JCSD and JSARP (2006-2023). The study explores the relevance of Hirt's (2006) original framework and identifies emerging themes. Findings reveal research imbalances across institutional types and growing attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Professional Competencies. Gaps exist in reward structures, career transitions, and research on institutional fit. Implications for scholarship, graduate preparation, and practice are discussed.

Emotional Labor, Well-Being, And Community Care In Student Conduct Administration, Tiffany Shierling, Kelly Burlison

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined emotional labor, stress, and coping among student conduct administrators (SCAs). SCAs work in emotionally intensive, high-stakes environments that require balancing student development, institutional risk management, and legal compliance. Despite clear parallels to other helping professions, the emotional toll of student conduct work remains underexamined. Grounded in self-compassion theory and resilience theory, this explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined the emotional labor demands, stressors, and coping strategies experienced by SCAs in higher education. Quantitative (n = 101) findings revealed strong relationships among stress, burnout, and anxiety, while individual self-care practices offered limited protection without institutional support. …

Financial Stress And Academic Disruption Among U.S. Postsecondary Students: The Mediating Role Of Anxiety, Tania Akter

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Given the growing mental health challenges among students in the United States, this study examines how financial stress is associated with anxiety and assesses whether anxiety mediates the relationship between financial stress and academic disruption among U.S. postsecondary students. Data from the 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Study were analyzed using survey-weighted linear regression models to assess the association between financial stress and anxiety, and a generalized structural equation model (GSEM) to test whether anxiety mediates the relationship between financial stress and academic disruption. Results showed that financial stress was significantly associated with anxiety. Mediation analysis indicated that anxiety significantly mediated the …

Bias Across The Data Lifecycle: Data Governors’ Perceptions In Land-Grant Higher Education, Shauna N. Mcclure, Lisa Lambert Snodgrass

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Higher education institutions increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools and predictive analytics to inform decisions in areas such as admissions, student success, and resource allocation. This reliance heightens the need for data governance frameworks that address the policies, processes, and technologies governing student data. Data governors shape how institutional data are collected, interpreted, and used, yet existing approaches often assume that data are neutral, overlooking how bias can become embedded and compounded across the stages of the data lifecycle. This exploratory study investigates whether data governors perceive implicit bias as present across these stages. Using a quantitative survey, we …

Midweek Memo, Georgia Southern University

Midweek Memo

• Applaud
• Remember
• Share
• Experience
• Around the Nest

White Nose Syndrome In Bats And Infant Mortality In Georgia, Rhys Medcalfe, Sean Medcalfe, Simon Medcalfe

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: White nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease in bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that can result in bat mortality rates of over 90%. WNS was discovered in Georgia in 2012 in 3 counties but has continued to spread to 14 counties as of 2023, with P. destructans detected in a further seven. Biodiversity loss has been linked to human health outcomes including infant mortality. Understanding the link between WNS, biodiversity loss, and infant mortality in Georgia is important because Georgia ranks 42^nd out of the 50 states for infant mortality rate.

Methods: Using panel data from …

Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among People Who Smoke In Rural Southwest Georgia: Perspectives And Influencing Factors, Shadé Owolabi, Helen Singer, Katherine Reilly, Łucja T. Bundy Ma-Edm, J.K. Veluswamy, Carla Berg, Regine Haardörfer, James Hotz, Ajay Gehlot, Michelle Kegler

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool in reducing COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing public health challenge, especially in certain geographic areas and sub-populations. This study assessed factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among individuals who smoke in rural communities in southwest Georgia, one of the first COVID-19 “hot spots” in the U.S.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews (n=23) using a semi-structured interview guide, informed by the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM), that assessed vaccine-related behavior, intention to be vaccinated, perceived risk, social norms, attitudes, and environmental barriers and facilitators …

Midweek Memo, Georgia Southern University

Midweek Memo

• Applaud
• Remember
• Share
• Experience
• Around the Nest

Anti-Imperialism & Neo-Colonialism, The Philosophical Discussion Group

The Philosopher's Stone

• Anti-Imperialism & Neo-Colonialism