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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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A Phenomenological Study Of Trauma-Informed Teaching During A Global Education Disruption, Angelique Susan Smith Mar 2022

A Phenomenological Study Of Trauma-Informed Teaching During A Global Education Disruption, Angelique Susan Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical, phenomenological study described the experience of university educators using trauma-informed instructional practices during a global education disruption for university educators at Southeast University (pseudonym). The theory guiding this study is Richardson’s metatheory of resilience and resiliency (which describes an individual’s natural flow between homeostasis, through disruption, and adjunct to the disruption as part of the natural order of adaptation. The study addresses the following questions: How do university educators describe their experiences with trauma-informed teaching during a global education disruption? What formal strategies have university educators implemented to build social and emotional skills for students …


Developing A Consolidated And Holistic Framework For Restrictive Housing That Accounts For Gender Disparities: A Grounded Theory Approach, John Stephens Tankersley Mar 2022

Developing A Consolidated And Holistic Framework For Restrictive Housing That Accounts For Gender Disparities: A Grounded Theory Approach, John Stephens Tankersley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the proposed study was to address critical gaps in restrictive housing research by developing a theoretical framework of the practice grounded in the experiences and knowledge of correctional officers, managers, and administrators. The grounded theory methodology (GTM) was used because of the lack of cohesive theory and empirical inquiry in restrictive housing research. Constructivist GTM was chosen because it accounts for using existing literature and frameworks to better triangulate the theory-generation process. Interviews were held with 29 correctional professionals in the county jail setting. Data analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti for coding and Microsoft Word for memoing. …


Equipping College Students For A Marching Percussion Career In The United States, Thomas Paul Goddard Mar 2022

Equipping College Students For A Marching Percussion Career In The United States, Thomas Paul Goddard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the traditional American percussion curriculum being valuable to the college percussionist, there is an unclear path toward preparing students for a career in the field of marching percussion. Every year, students graduate with a desire to pursue the marching arts as a vocation without sufficient guidance. This study examined the perspectives of marching band professionals (N=107) who have carved their path in the industry. Guided by Creswell’s research design model, this qualitative inquiry identifies viewpoints from marching percussionists that can create a comprehensive percussion curriculum. Outlooks on performing, teaching, composing/arranging, and the industry have emerged as themes integral to …


An Exploratory Analysis Of Mindfulness And Work-Life Balance During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Christine Bush Mar 2022

An Exploratory Analysis Of Mindfulness And Work-Life Balance During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Christine Bush

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a need for change in both personal and professional lives; however, due to the abrupt newness of the virus, there has been limited research. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine mindfulness (via FFMQ), work-life balance (via WLB survey) and potential stressors among employees who have been affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. An exploratory analysis of how mindfulness and work-life balance has played a role in employees’ adaptation to working during a pandemic will be conducted. An in-depth literature analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between mindfulness …


The Modern Homeland Security Struggle: Divisive Disinformation, Stephen H. Dickerson Mar 2022

The Modern Homeland Security Struggle: Divisive Disinformation, Stephen H. Dickerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research introduces the concepts surrounding disinformation and misinformation campaigns, along with their standing as significant homeland security threats. The piece starts with a brief introduction that focuses in on current examples of how these campaigns are being utilized, to include introductory discussion of theory and strategy. This is followed by a literature review, which explores a wide variety of disinformation related topics, including pieces that help in defining the matter and others that introduce related psychological theories. In addition to the literature that discusses real world examples, current instances are discussed, allowing for a more comprehensive view of not …


Understanding The Perceived Effect Of Chapel And Discipleship-Group Models In Christian Education, Bailey Humphrey Mar 2022

Understanding The Perceived Effect Of Chapel And Discipleship-Group Models In Christian Education, Bailey Humphrey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Jesus’ final command before ascending to Heaven, otherwise known as The Great Commission, is detailed in Matthew 28:19-20. While the overall aim of Christian education is to provide students with an education from a biblical worldview, this education must expand beyond the academics taught in classrooms. Christian education should be equally concerned with making disciples of students who will then go forward to be disciple-makers themselves. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the students’ perceived spiritual effect of chapel and discipleship-group models in Christian education. The data collected analyzed the positive and negative elements of the …


Discipleship And Leadership: The Correlation Between Discipleship And Servant, Transformational, And Shared Leadership In The Marketplace, Daniel E. Gifford Mar 2022

Discipleship And Leadership: The Correlation Between Discipleship And Servant, Transformational, And Shared Leadership In The Marketplace, Daniel E. Gifford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study explored the intersection of Christians in leadership positions who are not in full-time ministerial positions and the transformational nature of discipleship. It focused on determining if a correlation exists between a marketplace Christian leader’s involvement in a discipleship relationship and exhibiting characteristics of servant, transformational, or shared leadership in the marketplace. It did this by examining the concept of discipleship as currently practiced in today’s environment, comparing it with similar terms and practices prevalent in the literature, such as spiritual formation, mentoring, and coaching. It also reviewed three specific leadership styles, arguing that servant, transformational, and …


Understanding Student Perspective Of Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs And Experiences Across Christian Colleges And Universities, Brandon P. Grech Mar 2022

Understanding Student Perspective Of Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs And Experiences Across Christian Colleges And Universities, Brandon P. Grech

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The number of Christian colleges and universities that are offering cybersecurity four-year degrees is rising. The workforce is in dire need of cybersecurity professionals; however, has anybody asked the new cybersecurity professionals in the workforce how their recent academic experience prepared them for such a global need? Research is well-documented about what industry currently needs in cybersecurity professionals; however, this research focused on asking graduates what students need for the workforce. The purpose of this explorative qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the phenomena of the holistic experience (technical, nontechnical, and whole-person) strengths and shortcomings (if any) recent …


The Effects Of The Global Covid-19 Pandemic On Pastors In The Church Of The Nazarene, Beth Bleadingheiser Heath Mar 2022

The Effects Of The Global Covid-19 Pandemic On Pastors In The Church Of The Nazarene, Beth Bleadingheiser Heath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of living through and ministering during the global COVID-19 pandemic for Nazarene pastors in Ohio. The theoretical framework that guided the research was Hope Theory and Resilience. The Conceptual Mapping Task was used to conduct interviews of eight ordained Nazarene pastors. Pastors described their experience and then worked with a researcher to create a concept map to organize their story. Pastors were asked to describe their story of living through and ministering during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Pastors were also asked how the global COVID-19 pandemic affected their church …


The Experiences Of African American Graduate Students Attending Colleges Of Chiropractic: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology, Darren De'un Howland Mar 2022

The Experiences Of African American Graduate Students Attending Colleges Of Chiropractic: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology, Darren De'un Howland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study is to discover and interpret the campus experiences of African American graduate students attending colleges of chiropractic in the United States. A sense of belonging within a campus environment is essential to all students that encounter a university. The campus environment has an important role in the retention of African American students. The theory guiding this study is the Culturally Engaging Campus Environment Model which examines cultural engagement within the campus environment. The central question leading this research study asks, “What are the lived experiences of African American graduate students attending colleges of …


The Impact On Crime Rate During A Period Of Covid-19 Induced Jail Booking Restrictions, Nathan A. Jendrick Feb 2022

The Impact On Crime Rate During A Period Of Covid-19 Induced Jail Booking Restrictions, Nathan A. Jendrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID-19 has become a catalyst for profound changes not just in public health but in criminal justice as well. To reduce the close-quarters populations of correctional facilities in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus, law enforcement administrators in the Pacific Northwest have significantly limited the opportunity to make custodial arrests of criminal suspects. The effect on crime rate by not booking suspected criminals for misdemeanor and felony crimes alike remained largely unstudied. To assess this intervention, a paired samples t-test was used after acquiring call volume data for 13 crime types from the dispatch communications center of …


Overcoming Obstacles To Dna Group Engagement, Charles Edward Kelly Feb 2022

Overcoming Obstacles To Dna Group Engagement, Charles Edward Kelly

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Discipleship is the primary command given by Jesus to his disciples. The elements of discipleship growth are best carried out in smaller cell groups of ten to twenty people. In the model used by the researcher, these cell groups (called missional communities) are subdivided into groups of three comprised of the same gender. These subdivided groups are called DNA groups. It is within DNA groups that a more intimate environment is created for transparency, biblical learning, and accountability. The researcher found three primary obstacles to engagement in a previous iteration of DNA groups. Those three obstacles are overscheduling / busyness, …


Perceptions Of Community Among Dual Credit Students Taking Stem Courses Offered Through A Community College, Teresa M. Johnson Feb 2022

Perceptions Of Community Among Dual Credit Students Taking Stem Courses Offered Through A Community College, Teresa M. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified individuals to fill jobs in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Therefore, educational institutions are concerned with recruiting and retaining students in these fields of study. One means of introducing students to these fields of study is enrollment in dual credit coursework. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine whether a relationship exists between student perceptions of community for dual credit students enrolled in these courses through a local community college and end of term averages in these courses. This relationship was examined by collecting …


The African American Nuclear Family: Investigating The Healthy Habits Of Successful Long-Term Marriages In The African American Community, Derrick L. Smith Feb 2022

The African American Nuclear Family: Investigating The Healthy Habits Of Successful Long-Term Marriages In The African American Community, Derrick L. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study sought to understand what contributed to the success of long-term marriages in the African American community. Long-term marriage was defined as those lasting 20 years or more. The family systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen guided this study. The study employed a phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry. Due to the national health crisis, all interviews were conducted through a Zoom conferencing platform. Nine married couples who have been married for at least 20 years or more participated in the study. The following criteria had to be met to participate in the study: race, length of the …


An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Evangelical Pastors’ Competencies In Biblical Male Sexuality And Spiritual Formation, Kirby J. Silo Feb 2022

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Evangelical Pastors’ Competencies In Biblical Male Sexuality And Spiritual Formation, Kirby J. Silo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis study was to understand how Evangelical pastors’ knowledge of biblical male sexuality, pedagogical knowledge, and relational knowledge affected their ministry praxis of teaching, educating, and discipling men in living sexually pure lives from a biblical perspective. Biblical sexuality is a significant component in the spiritual formation of Christian men. Current studies show that sexuality remains an awkward topic in Evangelical churches today. As a result, Christian men are not getting the help they need in this critical part of their spiritual development. Participants (N=7) were male Evangelical pastors serving as senior pastors in …


Black Men's Perspectives On Their Student-Faculty Relationships In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tyson J. Askew Feb 2022

Black Men's Perspectives On Their Student-Faculty Relationships In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tyson J. Askew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to explore Black men’s perspectives of their student-faculty relationships in higher education. Utilizing a qualitative research design and Noddings ethics of care theory, the findings of the inquiry are useful for institutions of higher education as they strive to facilitate effective relationships with their Black men students. The central question for this study was how do Black men describe their relationships with their faulty in higher education? The setting for this study was a social media platform that consists of 207,577 Black men; of that number, 100,000 of these men have reported being …


Perceived Leadership Communication, Modalities Of Communication, And Perceived Organizational Support, Allison Anne Maas Feb 2022

Perceived Leadership Communication, Modalities Of Communication, And Perceived Organizational Support, Allison Anne Maas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Organizations are constantly evaluating methods and looking for new ways to improve retention. Perceived Organizational Support (POS) is used as a predictor of intent to stay; therefore, it is important to know what behaviors lead to greater POS. Understanding this will enable organizations to coach their leaders on styles that are most effective so they can make the best use of their time. This study focused specifically on supervisor-employee engagements, evaluating the correlation between perceived leadership communication and POS, and the significance of modality. The study concluded that perceived leadership communication was positively correlated with POS. Of the five communication …


Military Deployed Parent Perceptions Of Involvement In The Education Of Their Children: A Phenomenological Study, Bennett Eder Garrincha Feb 2022

Military Deployed Parent Perceptions Of Involvement In The Education Of Their Children: A Phenomenological Study, Bennett Eder Garrincha

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of deployed military parents regarding active involvement in their child’s education. The research question was: What are the perceptions of deployed military parents regarding active participation in their child’s education? The methodology included using a qualitative phenomenological research design, applying Epstein's theory regarding the triangle relationship between parents, teachers, and the community to help explore and make sense of the stories and experiences of parents who have or are currently experiencing challenges associated with military deployment. Data were collected using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, artifact …


The Effect Of Alternative Lunch Schedule And Traditional Lunch Schedule On North Carolina School English Ii And Math I End Of Course Test Scores, Kristina Nicole Boone Lowe Feb 2022

The Effect Of Alternative Lunch Schedule And Traditional Lunch Schedule On North Carolina School English Ii And Math I End Of Course Test Scores, Kristina Nicole Boone Lowe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This casual comparative design study examined the impact of the type of lunch schedule, traditional or alternative, had on EOC scores for English II and Math I in North Carolina schools. A convenience sample of 132 schools from an archival data set obtained from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Using a casual comparative design, two independent samples t tests were conducted to examine the difference in English II and Math I EOC scores between two groups. The data analysis resulted in a failure to reject Null Hypothesis One and failure to reject Null Hypothesis Two. Recommendations for future …


A Predictive Correlational Study Of Collegiate Educational Leader's Cultural Orientations And Their Cultural Intelligence Scores, Erica G. Badru Feb 2022

A Predictive Correlational Study Of Collegiate Educational Leader's Cultural Orientations And Their Cultural Intelligence Scores, Erica G. Badru

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A predictive correlational study was conducted to determine predictive capabilities between collegiate educational leader’s horizontal collectivism scores and their motivational cultural intelligence scores. While researchers have used cultural intelligence (CQ) and cultural orientations (CO) as theoretical frameworks in previous studies, this study relies heavily on Robert Bandura’s social learning theory (SLT). The differentiation in theoretical framework indicates that a group’s social norms, religious customs, and their cultural constructs are learned through direct experience within their communal upbringing or learned through observing others. Therefore, just as these cultural responses to external stimuli were learned, they can be unlearned, and relearned to …


Examining The Influence Of Religious Attitudes, Acceptance Of Change, And Cultural Mistrust On The Utilization Of Therapy For African American Male College Students Utilizing Therapy, Jessica Miranda Shine Feb 2022

Examining The Influence Of Religious Attitudes, Acceptance Of Change, And Cultural Mistrust On The Utilization Of Therapy For African American Male College Students Utilizing Therapy, Jessica Miranda Shine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cultural mistrust and fear of potential racism from people in the medical profession may be contributing to a noted disdain for mental health counseling among African American men. The purpose of this study was designed to gain insight into how attitudes toward religious help-seeking, acceptance of change, cultural mistrust, and mental health stigma impact therapy utilization among African American male college students. The review of literature explored the theoretical frameworks followed by the historical perspective, epigenetics, family structure, masculinity concept and help-seeking behaviors, noting barriers, fear, stigmas, spiritual influence, and economic hardships. Acceptance of change-evolving action is not currently endorsed …


Christian Education And The Examination Of Apologetics Curriculum, Sara Elizabeth Boyd Feb 2022

Christian Education And The Examination Of Apologetics Curriculum, Sara Elizabeth Boyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to evaluate the ability of Christian high school students to explain and defend their faith. The main focus of the project was to compare the current apologetics curriculum used by Cedar Park Christian School to a new curriculum designed for the sake of this study. The new curriculum sought to provide grade-level resources as source material for each student. Additionally, it approached the course with the expectation for students to articulate their learned knowledge conversationally. There were forty-nine total participants, all who were either a junior or senior at the start of …


Perceptions Of School Safety: A Multiple Case Study Of School Resource Officers In A Rural Setting In The Southeastern United States, Stephen Lance Britt Jan 2022

Perceptions Of School Safety: A Multiple Case Study Of School Resource Officers In A Rural Setting In The Southeastern United States, Stephen Lance Britt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to examine school resource officers’ (SROs) perceptions of school safety assigned to 12 schools within rural communities located in the Southeast region of the United States. For this study, school safety was defined as the overall safety and well-being of the school environment. The perceptions of the SROs assigned to selected schools were examined using this definition of school safety. All aspects of safety within the schools were the focus of the study and were not limited to any specific areas of emphasis. This study utilized a purposeful sampling of 12 …


How Utilizing An Online Holistic Social Media Group Impacts Symptoms And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Anxiety, Sherri Ann Walker Jan 2022

How Utilizing An Online Holistic Social Media Group Impacts Symptoms And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Anxiety, Sherri Ann Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The continuum between health and illness is a dynamic state influenced by stress. People are complex beings designed with interrelated parts composing a unique whole. Stress's disruption in the homeostatic balance can result in disease states in the body, mind, soul, and relationships. Panic disorder is one of these manifestations. This disorder causes physical and cognitive symptoms which impair quality of life. Although evidence-based treatments exist for panic disorder, barriers are evident for effective dissemination. This phenomenological study explored the experience of six individuals with anxiety disorder in a 30-day holistic, online social media group. Throughout the study, interviews and …


Leadership Adaptability Within The Higher Education Industry, Rebecca Niemeyer Rens Jan 2022

Leadership Adaptability Within The Higher Education Industry, Rebecca Niemeyer Rens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Dynamism in the higher education industry (HEI) has created unprecedented complexity and uncertainty for leaders at colleges and universities across the globe. The challenges to competitive advantage and sustainability created by dynamic conditions have been exacerbated and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and health crisis. HEI leaders are struggling to adapt antiquated and traditionally held methods and practices to navigate the rapid changes and survive the resulting chaos. The ability of leaders to adapt to dynamism in contemporary industry conditions is influenced by the external and internal environments; in term, these leaders’ capacity for change impacts the adaptability of the …


Online Doctoral Persistence: A Case Study Exploring The Use Of Technology For Connectedness, Folarinwa Ojuola Jan 2022

Online Doctoral Persistence: A Case Study Exploring The Use Of Technology For Connectedness, Folarinwa Ojuola

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of online doctoral students and online professors' utilization of technology for doctoral persistence. This study focused on how online professors and students use technology to enhance a sense of community and connectedness at a southeastern university. Technology plays a crucial role in the online doctoral candidates' persistence, so this study explored the technological strategies implemented to promote a sense of community and connectedness among online doctoral students. Vincent Tinto's 1975 student integration model (SIM), which explains the interactions of several aspects and processes that influence a student's …


The Student Voice: Perception Of Students’ Representation Of Themselves In The Secondary Band Curriculum, Lori Schwartz Reichl Jan 2022

The Student Voice: Perception Of Students’ Representation Of Themselves In The Secondary Band Curriculum, Lori Schwartz Reichl

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the United States becomes more socially and culturally diverse, there is a greater need for diversity and inclusivity in music education. This goal can be challenging as the classical traditions of westernized music often dominate music classrooms and performing ensembles. The secondary band curriculum is no exception. Despite numerous sources stating that students must perceive a representation of themselves in an educational curriculum, secondary band students have yet to be surveyed about their perceptions of the music curriculum in which they are engaging daily. Educators must understand if students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. This reflection can be …


Systematic Approach To Recruiting And Retention Of Instrumental Students In Division One University Marching Band, Michael G. Yopp Jan 2022

Systematic Approach To Recruiting And Retention Of Instrumental Students In Division One University Marching Band, Michael G. Yopp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines recruitment and retention in Division One (D1) university marching bands, while understanding high school and university directors’ perspectives and impact on student choice. This project surveyed university band directors, seeking commonalities for recruiting and retention of instrumental students. Based on the results, universities will have better strategies on what, how, and why recruitment and retention issues should be addressed. Student enrollment is important to the well-being, development, and continuity of marching band programs. They may result in better recruitment and retention for other university ensembles, applied studios, the music department, and the university enrollment overall. This study …


"Woman In The Mirror; Precious Child Of God Or Just A Rib?", Bonnie M. Orth Jan 2022

"Woman In The Mirror; Precious Child Of God Or Just A Rib?", Bonnie M. Orth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis entitled, “Woman in the Mirror: Precious Child of God, or Just a Rib?” is based on a request from colleagues to create a curriculum as a companion piece to the Rev. Dr. Kevin Frederick’s curriculum, “Men in the Mirror: Orienting Our Lives Toward a Christ-Centered Masculinity.” The curriculum will be used by pastors and pastoral counselors working with women who struggle with self-esteem and/or are victims of domestic violence. This thesis explores the problem that some women seem to lack a clear understanding of their position in the kingdom of God. Looking at how women understood God, their …


A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Client And Stylist Interaction As A Culturally Specific Form Of Coping With Stress For Black Women In The United States, Nicole Michelle Holden Jan 2022

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Client And Stylist Interaction As A Culturally Specific Form Of Coping With Stress For Black Women In The United States, Nicole Michelle Holden

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of Black women who visit the salon regularly in the United States. This study is constructed around the culturally intimate relationship of the stylist-client interaction in the Black community as a historical coping mechanism in which Black women utilize for stress and life challenges rather than seek professional mental health services. Although COVID-19 continues to mount a significant mortality rate and financial hardships, its disproportionate effects on communities of color will have lasting implications on their mental health. The need for mental health services has increased due to the mental …