Canine And Equine Behaviors In Therapy: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study, Sarah E. Montano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) utilizes animals in the treatment of clients with mental health disorders. Dogs and horses are often used in this modality, but studies have not explored the use of these two types of animals in AAT to discover if there are similarities and differences in the behaviors the animals display during therapeutic sessions. The present study utilized interviews with clinicians providing canine-assisted therapy or equine-assisted therapy to investigate similarities and differences. The interviews were audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes regarding the behaviors of the animals. The analysis showed …

A Qualitative Study Of De-Policing And The 2020 Anti-Police Movement, Corey Lee Piser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand de-policing among police officers in the U.S. state of Minnesota (MN) relative to the 2020 anti-police movement. The theoretical underpinning of this study is rooted in Rational Choice Theory (RCT) and its focus on rational actors engaging in cost-benefit analysis as a behavioral model. RCT serves to capably explain de-policing behavior as a law enforcement officer (LEO) reaction to fears that engaging in self-initiated policing activity has become detrimental to their careers. The research design to be utilized is the generic qualitative method which will utilize officer questionnaires, interviews, and reflexive …

Organizational Outcomes In Crisis: A Multi-Case Exploration Of Leadership Practices In High-Stakes Crises, Robert Thomas Calderwood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how organizational leaders navigate high-stakes crises, with a focus on cognitive, emotional, and crisis response leadership processes, as well as decision-making, and organizational factors that influence outcomes. Grounded in a pragmatic research paradigm, this study explored the experiences of leaders across multiple industries that frequently encounter high-stakes crisis events. Research data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and key themes. The findings revealed that crisis leadership is a dynamic and iterative process characterized by cognitive processing, emotional regulation, crisis response behaviors, and …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experience Of Nigerian Christian Clergy Of Persecution And Insecurity In Nigeria, John Ekwoanya

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Nigerian Christian clergy and persecution and insecurity in Nigeria using an online site. The central research question was: How do Nigerian Christian clergy describe their experiences in meeting the expectations of their congregants and communities amidst persecution and insecurity? Interviews were conducted to collect data from 10 participants and an analysis was performed. The results showed that Nigerian Christian clergy, under threats of fear, still meet the needs of their congregants, and that the congregants continue to seek support from their clergy. It was also found that …

The Challenge Of Leaders Within The Public Sector Organization To Adapt Their Leadership Skills To Reflect The Changing External Environment, Leading To Poor Quality Production And Resulting In The Inability To Improve Performance, Kingsford Agyemang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research examined the influence of leadership adaptation, leadership competencies, and strategic decision-making on organizational productivity and performance in the United States public sector. It addressed the challenge of leaders’ limited capacity to adapt effectively to evolving organizational environments, which may lead to diminished production quality and lower employee performance. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to investigate how leadership behaviors can be modified to improve organizational outcomes and to identify essential competencies that enhance performance. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed to integrate qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative component consisted of semi-structured interviews with eight leaders. The …

The Impact Of Property Tax Exemptions On The Hospital Real Estate Utilization, Howard Allen Levine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation analyzes the effects of property tax exemptions on real estate utilization by hospitals in the production of medical services. Economic theory suggests that differential taxing creates inefficiencies causing destruction of wealth from deadweight loss. Property taxation is done by state and local governments. State and local governments spend 4.5 trillion dollars annually in the United States (Pustejovsky & Little, 2023, p. 2). Although only spending on services using real estate has efficiency effects due to real estate taxes, every 1% gain in overall efficiency is 45 billion dollars saved annually if the results can be generalized to all …

The Cold War And The Weaponization Of Digital Technology: How The United States Government Partnered With The Private Sector To Create A Technology-Driven Strategy For National Defense, Stephen J. Hoover

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Beginning with the National Security Act of 1947, the study traces the transition from conventional warfare to a sophisticated "Second Offset Strategy" defined by technological superiority. It argues that the Cold War necessitated the maturation of the alliance between the federal government and the private sector, transforming private enterprises into essential strategic partners for Cold War national defense. The research analyzes milestones in this digital shift, including the development of voice communications, air defense, space and nuclear technologies, command and control networks, and the transition from mainframes to microprocessors. Central to this analysis is the role of technology in key …

The Psychological Impact Of Polypharmacy On Older Adults, Henry Fernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Chronic polypharmacy, defined as the simultaneous use of five or more medications for three or more months, represents an emerging health concern distinct from traditional polypharmacy due to its persistence despite medication reconciliation and deprescribing efforts. This descriptive qualitative study explored the psychological impact of chronic polypharmacy on the daily lives of ten community-dwelling older adults (aged 62-81) with multimorbidity. Semi-structured interviews, adapted from the Living with Medicines Questionnaire, were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that chronic polypharmacy imposes a profound multidimensional burden: persistent anxiety regarding medication errors, depressive symptoms from daily regimen management, and voluntary social isolation as …

Writing The Boundaries Of Power: Amicus Briefs And The Judicial Construction Of Presidential Power & Immunity, William C. Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation undertakes a critical analysis of the dynamic interplay between presidential power and constitutional accountability, foregrounding the interpretive authority of the Supreme Court and the underappreciated role of amicus curiae briefs. By tracing the trajectory of amicus participation from the Reconstruction Era to modern day, this study contends that constitutional crises have recurrently compelled the Court to delineate the limits of presidential power and immunity. At pivotal junctures, amicus briefs submitted in landmark cases have exerted a profound influence on the Court’s jurisprudence, providing historical context and structural arguments that shape doctrinal understandings of presidential immunity, the separation of …

Comparing Aesthetic And Praxial Approaches To Music Education: Effects On Newark, New Jersey High School Student Achievement And Engagement, Jayson Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music education plays a vital role in a well-rounded educational framework, supporting the intellectual, emotional, and social development of students. Within this field, two prominent pedagogical approaches are the aesthetic and praxial methodologies. The aesthetic approach emphasizes the intrinsic value and expressive qualities of music, while the praxial approach focuses on music as a form of human activity, integrating practical, social, and contextual dimensions. Educators often aim to enhance students’ musical growth by developing skills and understanding through musical engagement. However, the predominance of one method over another has led to discussions about whether students are receiving a fully comprehensive …

The Nexus Between Sino-African Economic Engagement, Us-African Security Cooperation And Foreign Direct Investment: National Security Implications Using A Comparative Analysis Of Nigeria And Other Selected African Countries, Chine Sp Logan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the intricate interplay between the United States-African Security Partnership, China’s African Economic Partnership-Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), and the influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa. It delves into the nuances of the US-African Security Partnership, focusing on US military training and security assistance through the United States African Command (AFRICOM) and the China-Africa BRI initiative, which centers on loan funding. Moreover, it analyzes how national security considerations influence FDI inflow. By scrutinizing the roles of robust institutions, the study evaluates how these factors impact the long-term achievement of the United Nations' sustainable development goals for …

Extending Galula’S Counterinsurgency Warfare Theory: The Influence Of Political Perception And Planning On Operational Outcomes In Irregular Warfare, Bashir Safi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation project examines the influence of political perceptions and planning on the outcome in Irregular Warfare (IW). This study addressed two research questions: How does the U.S. military’s institutional predilection for prolonged, conventionally oriented approaches influence its ability to achieve desired outcomes in irregular warfare? and how does doctrinal ambiguity within the US military influence operational outcomes in Irregular Warfare.? The structured focused comparison (SFC) approach was utilized to systematically compare three case studies: US military interventions in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021; Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Iraq, which began in 2003; and Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia …

The Effect Of Return-To-Office Mandates On Worker Engagement And Perceived Work-Family Conflict, Caleb M. Daughhetee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study was to examine relationships among employee perceptions of return-to-office (RTO) mandates, employee engagement (EE), and work-family conflict (WFC) among previously remote U.S.-based workers. Despite extensive RTO mandates following the COVID-19 pandemic, limited research has examined the relationship between worker perceptions, EE, and work-family dynamics. Grounded in personal engagement theory (Kahn, 1990), role theory, and the Job Demands-Resources model, this study investigates whether RTO perceptions predict EE and WFC, and whether WFC mediates or moderates the relationship between RTO perceptions and EE. Data were collected from 145 participants using a researcher-developed RTO perception scale …

Structuring Support: Designing Sustainable Administrative Models For Music Education In Christian K-12 Schools, Haven Clippinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of administrative structures in K–12 Christian schools on the sustainability of music education programs and the degree to which those programs align with the school’s mission. Many faith-based schools saw music as a formative part of education, yet they struggled to sustain consistent programs because of limited funding, small staffs, and uneven curricula. Through a qualitative, applied multiple–case study design, this research explored how theology, leadership, and institutional systems work together to build sustainable music programs. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews and document analysis from Christian schools representing classical, contemporary, and hybrid models. …

Valuation Transparency And Reputation Of Depository Institutions, Mamadou Ghourayssi Barry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative single-case study examined how the historical lack of transparency in the financial sector affects the operations of thrift institutions, focusing on one in Albany, New York. The purpose was to understand how valuation opacity, disclosure practices, and leadership behaviors influence stakeholder trust, performance, and institutional reputation. Guided by transformational leadership theory and Vroom’s expectancy theory, the study explored how leadership and organizational practices can enhance transparency and operational integrity in community banking. Data were collected from 27 employees in operational and managerial roles through semi-structured interviews that captured their experiences and strategies related to valuation transparency and ethics. …

Curricular Design For Private Christian Music Instruction, Jonathan Michelsen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Private Christian music instruction is designed to develop musicians who grow in both musical skill and spiritual maturity. While this dual purpose is commonly assumed, there is limited research on how private music curricula intentionally integrate biblical theology with structured music pedagogy. Many private music programs focus on technical development, yet few studies explore how faith-based instruction shapes curriculum design, instructional goals, and teaching practices. This qualitative study investigated how instructors and program leaders described their instructional approaches to musical development, theological integration, and spiritual formation within selected private music education providers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with instructors and program …

Workplace Realities And Leadership Aspirations: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Black Female Educators’ Experiences Toward Organizational Leadership, Angela D. Mcguire

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the experiences and workplace dynamics of Black female educators and their transitions into organizational leadership, including entrepreneurship. The theory guiding this study was the social cognitive career theory, as it seeks to establish connections between cognitive and contextual factors, and people and their careers, and represents how individuals exercise personal agency. The Central Research Question was: What are the lived experiences of Black female educators as they transition from traditional teaching roles into organizational leadership, including entrepreneurship? A qualitative study was the most appropriate research design to report on the …

Enforcing Freedom: President Grant, The Ku Klux Klan, And Reconstruction In York County, South Carolina, Nicholas P. Branyon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigates Reconstruction policies under Ulysses S. Grant in York County, South Carolina, an area affected by severe Ku Klux Klan violence in the early 1870s. It explores whether federal enforcement efforts effectively suppressed organized violence and brought stability to the region. This dissertation contends that Grant’s use of federal authority—especially through prosecutions and military action—substantially reduced Klan activity and led to a noticeable drop in violence by 1873, despite inconsistent implementation and limited long-term political stability. York County is a vital case study because of its high levels of racial violence and organized opposition to Reconstruction. The findings …

A Community College Entry Apparatus, Ann Knezetic

Dissertations

This study explores the conceptualization, enactment, and navigation of a community college entry apparatus. This research views these questions through a single institution case-study, with 17 participants - eight faculty/staff and nine students. Each participant groups brings a distinct view as faculty/staff conceptualize and enact entry as students navigate and experience entry. Findings illuminate how faculty/staff conceptualize entry through offices or programs while students experience entry through their needs being met. Further, these findings complicate entry, particularly in the ways students experience entry multiple times during their college career such as when moving locations across a multi-campus college or when …

Proceedings Of The 2026 International Conference On Decision Support System Technology (Icdsst 2026), Huilan Chen, Dulekha Kasturiratne, Guoste Pivoraite, Xinyi Li, Xiaoning Chen, Shaofeng Liu

More Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Research

No abstract provided.

Exploring Counselors’ Perceived Preparedness For Private Practice Business Oriented Responsibilities, Corey L. Hancock Jr.

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to understand how fully licensed counselors who graduated from CACREP-accredited programs and did not receive formal business training during graduate school make sense of their preparedness for the business responsibilities of private practice. This study was informed by the theoretical frameworks of relational-cultural theory (RCT; Jordan, 2017) and transformative learning theory (TLT; Mezirow, 1991). Participants were fully licensed counselors with a masters or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program and owned a private practice. Seven participants (n = 7) were included in the study, participating in 60-90 minute semi-structured interviews. An …

From Tradition To Transformation: Cultural And Musical Inclusivity In Sda Worship Practices, Alicia Raquel Jones-Lumbuz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines worship inclusivity within multicultural Seventh-day Adventist congregations in the greater Houston, Texas, area, focusing on the experiences of migrants, first-generation Americans, and long-standing members. It highlights how their diverse cultural backgrounds, theological beliefs, and worship expectations shape congregational life. The study fills a gap in Adventist worship scholarship by exploring the lived experiences of worshippers in multicultural settings, particularly the perspectives of migrants whose attitudes toward worship are influenced by cultural heritage and traditional views of reverence. Data were collected through surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observations. Thematic analysis reveals eight interrelated themes, showing that …

Broken Promises: The Lived Experiences Of African American Employees Who Interpret The Removal Of Dei Policies As A Breach Of Psychological Contract, Geneva A. Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The publicized murder of George Floyd in 2020 prompted organizations across the United States to affirm their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Following the 2025 presidential administration, however, many organizations began retracting DEI policies and adopting merit-based initiatives aligned with new federal mandates. For African Americans (AA), this shift echoed a familiar historical pattern of progress followed by withdrawal, requiring them to navigate promises made and promises withdrawn. Despite the significance of these changes, little is known about how AA employees experience the workplace after the removal of a value-laden policy. This interpretative phenomenological analysis study explored the …

Parental Understanding Of The Influence Of Ecological Systems On The Educational Experiences Of The Dependent Children Of Enlisted And Officer Families Stationed In Japan: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Nortia M. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore how enlisted and officer parents stationed in Japan understand and described how different ecological systems influence the educational experience and academic performance of their dependent children. The theory that guided this study is Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as it provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the inter-influential relationship between the children and the different ecological systems in their environment. The central research question provided a conduit for further exploration by asking how do enlisted and officer parents understand and describe how different ecological factors from Bronfenbrenner’s systems theory shape the …

The Struggle Is Real: How Black Female Supervisees Navigate Gendered Racial Microaggressions In Cross-Racial Clinical Supervision, Regina S. Rogers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Clinical supervision between White supervisors and Black female supervisees occurs within contexts where power and racial dynamics are salient. Existing research suggests that Black female supervisees are at increased risk of experiencing gendered racial microaggressions due to their marginalized identities; however, limited research has examined how these intersectional stressors are navigated within cross-racial supervision. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of Black female supervisees in cross-racial supervisory dyads, with a focus on how they perceive and navigate gendered racial microaggressions and how these experiences impact psychological well-being, the supervisory working alliance, and professional development. …

The Perceptions Of Social Workers On The Mental Health Needs Of Immigrant Hispanic Males In New York City: A Phenomenological Study, Mauline Lawrence-Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research was to describe the experiences of social workers as they provide services to meet the mental health needs of Hispanic immigrant males in New York City. The study was based on Bronfenbrenner's (1979) Social Ecological Theory and Vygotsky's (1978) Social Constructivism to examine how social workers in New York City perceived and addressed the mental health needs of Hispanic immigrant men, while accounting for the influence of cultural and systemic factors. The main research question used in the study was: How do social workers in New York City describe their experiences providing services to Hispanic …

The Perceived Effects Of Safety Coaching On Safety Knowledge And Training Transfer: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Dariusz Krajewski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Workplace safety remains a concern in municipal environments, where time and resource constraints limit training. This phenomenological study involved an examination of municipal employees’ experiences with safety coaching and how these experiences influenced the transfer of safety knowledge into daily work practice. Transfer of training theory, social cognitive theory, and transformational leadership theory were the theoretical foundations for this study.

The researcher conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with 15 participants. Data analysis followed Moustakas’ (1984) phenomenological approach. The methodological process involved bracketing, horizontalization, clustering into themes, textural and structural descriptions and essence description. The researcher clustered the thematic findings into seven …

Technology Idolatry: Daniel’S Fourfold Ancient Antidote To This Modern Problem Facing A Christian Singles Group In Dallas, Kimberlee Bousman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the rise of artificial intelligence and devices like cell phones, humanity is more connected to technology than ever. Increasingly, many people, including Christians, have become addicted to technology, spending hours scrolling. One biblical character who lived in an idolatrous culture yet remained entirely devoted to the Lord was Daniel. Making spiritual disciplines an integral part of his life enabled Daniel to stay obedient to God. This study was conducted to help a singles group that was struggling with spending too much time on technology and making it an idol. This qualitative phenomenological study was designed and implemented over seven …

Silent Invaders: Stopping The Spread Of The Spotted Lanternfly, Sloane Z. Hall

Masters Theses

The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect originating from China, has rapidly spread across the United States, harming agriculture, forestry, and surrounding ecosystems. It’s destructive feeding behavior severely impacts grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods, which directly affects wine production, farm communities, and local environments. The aim of this research was to investigate the biological, ecological, and economic stakes of the infestation, as well as the methods currently used to monitor and control its spread. Specifically, it examines how communication frameworks, design practices, and extension approaches influence producers’ adoption of recommended Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols. Through the research, a literature review, …

The Effect Of Transfer Student Enrollment On The Overall Gpa In Division I Men’S Basketball, Emme Hurn

Masters Theses

The study explored the impact that transfer student-athletes have on the overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of a team in Division I Men’s Basketball. Through the use of Alexander Astin’s Input-Environment-Output model, academic preparation and environments were examined to determine their role in academic outcomes. The purpose of this research was to test this theory in order to answer three key research questions: Is there a statistically significant difference in overall team GPA when comparing Division I men’s basketball teams with a high number of transfer student-athletes, and teams with no transfer student-athletes? What is the relationship between the number …