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First-Generation Doctoral Students, Impostorism, And Belonging: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Karen Sullivan Pore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of first-generation doctoral students as they relate to their feelings of belonging, impostorism, and otherness. The study was guided by use of Tajfel social identity theory which provided insight to how an individual evaluates their identity within their environment and groups. The research design used was qualitative and the approach was transcendental phenomenological. The qualitative design allowed the first-generation doctoral students to share their experiences and behaviors during their doctoral journey. The participants were 10 self-identified as first-generation doctoral students who experienced impostor feelings during their doctoral journey. The data …

Examining The Impact Of Sustained Trauma-Informed Care Training With Educators Who Service Students With Exceptionalities And Challenging Behaviors, Miyokia D. Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The number of trauma-exposed children is on the rise, and it poses a significant public health issue. Trauma-exposed children especially those with exceptionalities and behavioral problems require support across various aspects of their lives, including their school environment. One way to properly support students is adopting a trauma-informed approach as it diminishes presumptions regarding misbehaviors, increases understanding, genuinely helps students with traumatic symptoms, and restores relationships in the classroom. However, the transition to new approaches such as this can affect the perceptions and attitudes of those encouraged to implement the framework. This qualitative case study aimed to comprehend how staff …

Perceptions Of Senior International Officers' Efforts Regarding The Acculturation Of International Students In Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ann-Margaret J. Themistocleous

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Senior International Officers’ lived experiences regarding attitudes and beliefs about the adjustment of international students in private and public universities in the Southeast region of the United States. The theory guiding this study is Berry’s theory of acculturation as it relates to a person’s adjustment to a new culture as they either assimilate, separate, integrate, or marginalize. The central research question focuses on the experiences of Senior International Officers regarding the acculturation process of international students on their respective college campuses. The methodology included a qualitative, transcendental phenomenological approach. The participants …

The Impact Of Infertility On Relationship Satisfaction, Mental Health, And Expectations During The Transition To Parenthood, Jill Giresi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between the method of conception (assisted reproductive technology [ART] vs. spontaneous conception) and the associations between parenting expectations, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. First-time parents (N=100) completed an online questionnaire within the first six months postpartum. Results indicated a significant difference in reported postpartum relationship satisfaction between couples who conceived via ART and those who conceived spontaneously, with ART couples reporting higher relationship satisfaction. This result was in the opposite direction than what was hypothesized. All other results were as expected. Postpartum relationship satisfaction was negatively associated with both unrealistic parenting expectations and psychological distress. …

Measuring Corporate Social Responsibility Leading To Organizational Commitment And Belongingness, Clifford J. Strawder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Following the completion of the study, it was found that there exists a significant relationship between perceived Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) congruence and employee outcomes, particularly organizational commitment, as elucidated through the lens of social identity theory. The investigation aimed to elucidate how employees' personal values and assessments of CSR dimensions could positively shape their attitudes and commitment to their organizations. The study, conducted with participants from various organizations recruited via the Amazon Mechanical Turk (M-Turk) platform, delved into three key CSR dimensions: Discretionary, Ethical, and Economic Responsibility. Results indicated that organizations can bolster organizational commitment by fostering a sense …

Retention Of Predominantly Nontraditional Students: A Phenomenological Study Of Distance Education Classes In A Local Community College, Corina Langford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the impact of inclusion in retention for nontraditional students taking global learning classes (distance education) at XYZ Community College in the southeastern United States. It seeks to answer the central research question: How can social inclusion be used to retain nontraditional students at a local community college when taking online classes? The theory guiding this study was the social systems theory, which is concerned with inclusion and exclusion in social systems through communication. Social systems theory was utilized to understand how minority students are included or excluded at XYZ Community …

The Impact Of Disability Support Services On The Success Of Student Veterans: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Chante Kimberly Burnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology was to explore the lived experiences of student veterans using disability support services at postsecondary institutions. Disability support services for student veterans was generally defined as any resource or service providing accessibility and support to aid academic success. Therefore, the central research question focused on the experiences of student veterans when utilizing disability support services. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was Vacchi’s (2017) Model of Student Veteran Support, as it establishes veteran-friendly propositions and suggests cornerstones needed to support the successful degree completion of student veterans. Data triangulation was used to …

Educators’ Perceptions Of Exclusionary Discipline For Students With Disabilities In A Manifestation Determination Review: A Case Study, Jenell R. Huska

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand K-12 educators’ knowledge of the characteristics of students with disabilities and how their ability to implement evidence-based practices shaped their perceptions of their role in making decisions regarding exclusionary discipline in a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR). The central research question included: How do K-12 educators’ perceptions regarding organizational support affect the decisions they make concerning exclusionary discipline for students with disabilities in a Manifestation Determination Review? Eisenberger et al.’s (1986) Organizational Support Theory (OST) guided this study. OST relates to educators’ perceptions regarding how their organization supports them in making decisions regarding …

Exploring The Relationship Between Leadership Style And Psychological Capital Constructs, Matthew Austin Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is currently a gap in knowledge regarding how leadership styles relate to employee psychological capital. Leaders can use this knowledge to emphasize employee health. It will also help organizations by promoting employee development and retention. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between each leadership style of situational leadership, servant leadership, authentic leadership, transformational leadership and levels of employee psychological capital. This research also examined whether age acted as a moderator in the relationship. The research questions that guided this study were does leadership style have a relationship with employee psychological capital, and does age act …

303 Creative And The Question Of Governmental Authority To Dictate Commercial Transactions, Rena M. Lindevaldsen

Liberty University Law Review

In June 2023, the nation awaited a decision from the United States Supreme Court in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. At its core, the case presented the question of whether free speech rights outweighed a state’s interest in prohibiting discrimination through its public accommodation laws. If the Supreme Court had ruled against 303 Creative and compelled its owner, Lorie Smith, to design a website for same-sex weddings despite Ms. Smith’s sincerely-held religious beliefs that such marriages are not biblical, free speech rights in America would have been at the mercy of what the majority deemed acceptable speech.

Although the …

Hicks, Hillbillies, And Rednecks: Addressing Stereotypes Of The Appalachian Region, Emma Campbell

Senior Honors Theses

The Appalachian region of the U.S. has been widely stereotyped as a poverty-stricken place filled with “backwards” people and practices (Wood & Hendricks, 2009, p. 1). News and entertainment media in the United States have done little to improve or diminish these stereotypes as times have changed and have often perpetuated them. This thesis examines recent portrayals of Appalachia in media to identify shortcomings and misrepresentations and review methods for diminishing stereotypes that have been successful. From this review, elements of different approaches are evaluated and combined to develop a proposed social media campaign oriented toward changing public perception of …

China: A Settler Colonial Empire?, Kaleb Horne

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

China’s rapid expansion is a growing concern to many in the West, yet the history and pattern of its meteoric rise is deeply misunderstood. Surprisingly, its rise may be similar to that of many Western states. This paper will examine a constellation of China’s territorial and cultural expansions. Furthermore, it will examine ongoing and future expansions of the Chinese empire. It will examine Chinese actions in Tibet, the Yunnan Province, the Guizhou Province, Taiwan, the Belt and Road Initiative, and examine China’s ongoing treatment of Uyghur Muslims. These subjects will also be qualitatively compared to settler colonial theories, as described …

The Federal Reserve And The People's Bank Of China: Taiwan, John Davis

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

Throughout time and history, civilizations have risen and fallen. Empires have cultivated massive amounts of land, only to be torn down by internal conflict. Nations have amassed armies to go to war, only for the tactics of war to switch. The extended history of international relations must be summed up into a single word: deception. Because of this, nations seek to grow their militaries, economies, and cultures in ways that rival others. The competition that the United States (US) will encounter over the next decade is through asymmetrical competition with China. However, the United States has historically been economically linked …

Navigating The Threat Posed By The Chinese Communist Party, Adam Opp

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

For decades, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the economic growth of China has become a threat to the United States. Beginning in 1978, the CCP issued a series of economic, market-oriented reforms which led to a period of economic growth and productivity increase in China. The CCP turned to diplomacy with the United States and other nations to increase foreign investment and implemented the Belt and Road initiative. The impressive scale of Chinese economic growth poses an economic and hegemonic threat to the United States, as China’s economy is projected to outpace the United States and the CCP has …

The European Case For Kosovo, Serbia, And North Macedonia: A Western Balkan Focus, Logan Michael Kase

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

European integration of Western Balkan territories currently faces high-tension ethnic and religious antagonism between Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. The Balkans have been dealing with a cauldron of simmering ethnic internal battles that have lingered for decades. Years of Serbian and Kosovo contention severely setback the accession timeline, therefore, affecting further the integration of its neighbor North Macedonia. The European Union demands all disputes and corruption measures settled, per regulation standards set by the enlargement package from the commission. Key regional players’ sphere of influence becomes an interesting variable during policy discussions leaving a path to full European integration reliant …

The Importance Of Dialogue Between The United States And North Korea: How Can The United States Respond To The Nuclear Issue With North Korea?, Unbi Choi

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

The nuclear issue with North Korea could create even more danger in currently tense international relations. In reality, a long-standing economic sanction is a factor in North Korea's continued hostile attitude toward the United States. The Trump administration chose negotiation instead of economic sanctions. Negotiations succeeded in temporarily easing tensions between the United States and North Korea. However, the Biden administration put economic sanctions back on North Korea. Since then, North Korea has increasingly cultivated hostility, even more than in the last few years, and is further developing nuclearization. As this example indicates, economic sanctions would have negative consequences. The …

Analysis Of Sun Tzu's Art Of War, Hannah Marchiny

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

America faces troubling times with various countries presenting unique threats. Few are more troubling than China. Now more than ever the U.S. needs effective strategies to combat global threats. To that end, I use Sun Tzu’s book Art of War as my main source for strategic wisdom. Sun Tzu’s principles have endured as long as they have because of their continued relevance in every generation and situation. In my paper, I discuss a few of the main tenets of Sun Tzu’s famous Art of War and how China is currently employing them against the U.S. I explain how China’s masterful …

Criminal Justice: Racial Equity In United States Of America, Glenn Bass

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with a spiritual sense of awakening as it pertains to a revelation of the human spirit. A revival, or improvement in the condition of any individual or social infrastructure will re-establish citizenship and further restore virtue within the United States of America. Researchers have articulated that our criminal justice system is broken through police retention/recruitment, lack of resources, ineffective prosecution and public defenders, sentencing disparities, and lack of understanding of the socioeconomic status of the criminal or violent offender. These issues are subtopics underneath the umbrella of racial equity. The …

The Driving Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Global Expansion, Aleksandra Drozd

Senior Honors Theses

The invention and continual growth of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global stage have significantly shaped the world’s economies, governments, societies and their cultures. The new industrial revolution and the subsequent race of the world’s leading powers have led to increased international joint efforts and exchange of information, simultaneously reducing barriers to trade and communication. Meanwhile, emerging technologies deploying AI have led to changes in human behavior and culture and challenged the traditional nation-state model. Although several implications of the proliferation of AI remain unknown, its widening application may be tied with accelerating globalization, referred to interchangeably as global expansion. …

Short-Term Success: The 1988 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit, Samantha Foster

Senior Honors Theses

The 1988 summit in Moscow was the fourth, and final, summit meeting between U.S. President, Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary, Mikhail Gorbachev. The principal issues addressed during the summit included human rights and arms control. This event was the first time that President Reagan visited the Soviet Union and thus took time to explore Moscow by visiting a monastery, Red Square, Arbat Street, and students at Moscow State University. The summit would be considered a success after its close, as the INF Treaty was ratified and further progress in the area of human rights in Soviet Union had been …

The Interaction Of Strategy And Design In Comprehensive Branding, Tiana Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Branding directs how consumers view businesses. Focusing on strategy and design equally aids in making a brand comprehensive, cohesive, and effective. Different aspects of brand strategy determine how to effectively build the backbone of the brand. Understanding design elements and the creative process are important in developing the visual identity of the brand. The findings were combined to create comprehensive personal branding for Tiana Joy Creative. This creative application included an archetypal brand strategy with deliverables including a logo and brand elements.

Fad Diets And How They Work In The Human Body, Isabella Huner

Senior Honors Theses

Diets are often viewed as a quick fix to obtaining a goal weight or achieving a dream body. What people fail to understand are the processes that take place within the body while undergoing a particular diet. While some diets may aid in weight reduction, the harm put on the body is easily overlooked.

Through an in-depth analysis on three of the most popular fad diets—the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and the Paleolithic diet—shows how the diet came about, how it works in the body from a basic to a cellular level, and the risks posed by these diets. Knowledge …

Transgenderism And Pronouns: Assessing The Communication Practices Of Christian College Students, Danielle Malanowski

Senior Honors Theses

The issue of transgenderism has been part of prominent public and academic discussions in recent years, and ought to be addressed by communication scholars. One area of communication research that is missing from the current body of literature is the use of preferred pronoun usage among religious groups, particularly Christians. This study offers insight into this issue through a qualitative survey of the perspectives of Generation Z college students attending a Christian university. This survey was then analyzed via thematic coding through the lens of Communication Accommodation Theory. Results indicate these students have varying approaches to communicating with and about …

The Dueling First Amendment Clauses: Are They In Tension, Or Do They Work Together?, James Black

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

The Establishment and Free exercise clauses of the First Amendment respectively state that Congress does not have the ability to pass a law that would either establish a national religion or prohibit the free exercise of any religion. While some legal scholars have given a more secular interpretation of the Establishment Clause, suggesting that there is no place for Christianity or any other religion in the public square or to influence American government, this is in conflict with interpretation by a substantial number of legal experts and constitutional scholars living both in and before the modern era, some of whom …

Covid-19: The Federal Government, Federalism, South Dakota, And American Indians, Jordan Janson

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

This essay assesses the roles of the federal government and its relationship with Tribal Regions and states alike. Additionally, how COVID-19 affected states and localities and how different Presidential Administrations handled and responded to the pandemic while being compared with the state of South Dakota. Assessing whether or not the federal government overstepped reveals the preparedness of states. Certain states handled COVID-19-related issues better than others, and this essay addresses how Tribal Regions in states provided Governors with extreme complexities. Finally, this essay delves into the rights and responsibilities of the federal government and the state pertaining to American Indian …

Influences Of Social Media, Samuel Whatley Ii

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

The Internet is a double-edged sword because it provides easy access to information of both good and bad intentions. Censorship justifications under whoever deems something misinformation, provide little oversight on being a neutral public forum. For instance, the influence of elections by not covering a story and censoring opposing views does not promote the notion of being a neutral public forum. Artificial intelligence being applied to many technological applications have fueled the censorship machine. In some instances, artificial intelligence can generate stories to media sites (i.e., ChatGPT) with no verification of the details. From science fiction to science reality, taking …

Ethical Considerations In Implementing Ai Technologies In Higher Education, Marcia Bennett

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

Over the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a dominant topic of conversation in the media and business world. Higher education institutions are learning to embrace the role of AI, specifically in online learning environments. As higher education institutions rely heavily on technology, leaders cannot avoid addressing concerns presented by AI. More specifically, online higher education institutions must consider the benefits and challenges presented to educators and learners. The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of artificial intelligence in online higher education institutions and explore solutions for agile and adaptive policies to navigate the evolving …

Mediterranean Security: Italian, United States, Nato, And North African National Interests From A Geopolitical Perspective, Mary Prentice, Umberto Bosna, Kueth Yul

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

This paper discusses important international issues related to the region of the Mediterranean Sea particularly focusing on Italy and North African security issues. Security and stability issues were researched. This region is interconnected through important geo-economic issues such as the gas pipelines that supply Italy with methane gas pass through the seabed of the Mediterranean Sea, connecting North Africa with Italy and the whole of Europe. In particular there are the gas pipelines that from Libya and Tunisia, across the Mediterranean Sea, arrive in Italy, supplying the entire nation with methane gas at a good price. Italy has promoted the …

Incorporating Safety Excellence Into Urban Air Mobility (Uam): Insights From Commercial Aviation, Rotorcraft, And Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas), Seyoung "Evie" Jang

Senior Honors Theses

This paper focused on safety considerations in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) through a cross-industry examination of commercial aviation, rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Although UAM promises transformative benefits, there are safety concerns remaining. Based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Concept of Operations (ConOps), the literature review explained the fundamental concepts of UAM. In commercial aviation, regulatory framework, pilot training and certification, vehicle design and maintenance, and emergency response planning are emphasized. For rotorcraft, safety requirements for vertical flight, collision avoidance systems, heliport standards, and weather adaptability are crucial. Leveraging UAS advancements, the study suggested autonomous systems, sense-and-avoid technology, …

Holistic Worship: Music Therapy Techniques Applied To The Modern Worship Service, Emma Lail

Senior Honors Theses

In a world in which loud and energetic distractions prevail, even pervading the modern Christian worship service, there is little research published concerning the issue of keeping the attention of the congregation member from beginning to end of the weekly church gathering in a manner that is calming, productive, and promotes the overall health of the individual. Included in this research project is a presentation of current issues in modern worship that necessitate change, the benefits of music itself, an overview of the types of music therapy, and an implementation of music therapy techniques into the worship service. This is …