Education Commons^™

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, February 27, 2026, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

20260224: Institute For The Arts, 1978-1985, College Of Arts And Media

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the College of Arts and Media at Marshall University from 1978-1985. Items were received sometime in the 1990s but were not processed until 2026. Items include notable materials about the Institute for the Arts in the late 1970s and then early 1980s.

20260223: The Green Book, 1956-1971, Academic Affairs

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of Academic Affairs at Marshall University from 1956-1971. Items were received at an earlier date (likely the 1990s) but were not accessioned until 2026. Materials in this collection include The Greenbook or Green Book publication from 1956-1971.

The Counseling Experiences Of Gifted Adults, Kelli Busbee, Theodore Remley

Adultspan Journal

In this transcendental phenomenological study, we followed the traditions of Moustakas and explored the counseling experiences of adults who had been identified as gifted during their school years and had experienced counseling for issues related to anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or hypersensitivity. We identified the following themes after interviewing participants: (1) growing up gifted; (2) challenges for gifted individuals at the college level; (3) living with anxiety and depression as a gifted adult; (4) medication and tools used by gifted adults; (5) being a perfectionist and dealing with hypersensitivity as a gifted adult; (6) experiences in counseling as a gifted adult; …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Staff Council Meeting, February 2026, Marshall University Staff Council

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Adultspan Journal Fellowship Program: A Structured Mentorship Experience, Lauren B. Robins, Natese R. Dockery, Courtney T.K. Chester, Crystal Morris, Teah Moore, Zoey Liu, Kaprea F. Johnson

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study used reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to explore how the Adultspan Journal Fellowship Program, a structured, cohort-based mentorship initiative, supports the development of doctoral students and early-career counselor educators. Grounded in Social Learning Theory, the program integrates hands-on journal management, guided peer review, collaborative writing, and monthly didactic sessions within multi-layered mentorship. Data from asynchronous email interviews and document analysis with seven fellows across two cohorts (2022–2024) yielded four themes: (1) Cultivating Belonging Through Structured Mentorship, highlighting affirming guidance that reduced isolation and built peer networks; (2) Building Confidence and Professional Identity, reflecting growth in …

20260213: Council Of Chairs Minutes, 1974-1993, Academic Affairs

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of Academic Affairs at Marshall University from 1974-1993. Items were received in the 1990s and not accessioned or inventoried until 2026. Items include notable materials from or about "Council of Chairmen" or "Council of Chairs" Minutes from 1974-1993. Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

20260212: President's Papers, 1957-1990, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1957-1990 Items were received in the 1990s and were accessioned/inventoried in 2026. Items within this collection include materials from the Distinguished Lecture Series as well as "The Scott Lectures" from 1959-1963. Other materials include campus events, most likely, and other formal writings about higher education. Of note: "An Informal, Incomplete Introduction to Appalachian Culture" by Dr. O. Normal Simpkins. This is not an exhaustive list, but the attached inventory will give a broad overview of what is contained in each of the boxes.

20260211: President's Papers, Administrative Assistant Files, 1943-1957, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1943-1957. Items were received in the 1970s or 1980s but were not inventoried until 2026. This collection includes notable materials from the Administrative Assistant to the President. Items include Faculty Bulletins from 1943-1957, letters President Smith sent and received (1945-1946), Correspondence from Williams and Lipscomb, some newspaper clippings from 1945, older photographs, and a "Marshall News -- I.S.S. Marshall Victory" from 1946. This is not an exhaustive list, but the attached inventory will give a broad overview of what is contained in each of the boxes.

20260209: Dr. Kelli Johnson's Donation, 1952-2025, University Libraries

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from University Libraries at Marshall University from 1952-2025. Items were received in 2026 from Dr. Kelli Johnson within the University Libraries and include notable materials about various campus events, such as the MU Textbook Affordability Committee (2022), the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Dinner Honoring Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress (2018), Greater Huntington Wall of Fame 2024 Induction Ceremony, June Harless Center 25 Years Celebration (2025), Hooding Ceremony for Grad Students (2025), Marshall vs. Morris Harvey (1952), and WV's Experience in Civil Rights with Eve Faulkes (2024). Please download the finding aid for a full list …

20260202: President's Papers, 1948-2004, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of the President at Marshall University from 1948-2004. Items were received in the mid 2000s and include notable materials including materials with or about President Stewart H. Smith, Alan Gould, John G. Barker, and James Wade Gilley. Items could include personnel policies, administrative policies, the establishment of a proposed Marshall Research Center (1963), Annual Performance Reports. Please download the inventory for a complete list of the contents.

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, January 30, 2026, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

20260121: President's Papers (Early Marshall History), 1858-1983, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1858-1986. Items were received over the course of several iterations, but not accessioned until 2026.  This collection combines information from early Principals and Presidents at Marshall, including letters to Principal and President L.J. Corbly. Other items include materials from or about William J. Kenny, A.D. CHesterman, Benjamin Thackston, Michael Allen, Samuel Clagg,, Stewart H. Smith...and more.  Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

20260113: Physical Education And Wellness, 1970-1997, College Of Education And Professional Development

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the College of Education and Professional Development at Marshall University from 1970-1997. Items were received in the 1980s and were processed in 2026 and include notable materials from two separate areas... the first one is a WMUL & closed circuit television services, and the second set of materials in this collection is a newsletter titled Well/Fit News that ranges from 1993-1997. Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Staff Council Meeting, January 2026, Marshall University Staff Council

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

20260115: Executive Assistant To The President, 1987-1996, President's Office

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Office of the President at Marshall University from 1987-1996. Items were received in 1996 or thereabouts and include information from the President's Executive Assistant. Items contain Economic Adjustment Programs, MU's CRP Annual Reports, a proposal for Flexible Manufacturing Center for MURC, and Coal Road (survey of southern WV mining and tourism potential). Lots of economic development materials otherwise. This is not an exhaustive list, but the attached inventory will give a broad overview of what is contained in each of the boxes.

20260114: Curriculum And Instruction, College Of Education, 1971-1976, College Of Education And Professional Development

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the College of Education and Professional Development at Marshall University from 1971-1976. Items were received in 1980s or 1990s and were not accessioned until 2026. Items include the Department of Curriculum and Instructions forms, faculty publications, student teaching pamphlets, methods for student teaching, and a list of each of the department's respective courses by course number at the time (e.g. CI 101 - CI 652). Please download the finding aid for a full list of contents.

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Use Of The Language Essentials For Teachers Of Reading And Spelling (Letrs) Professional Development Training, Colette Burgess

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional development course has been participated in by educators across the United States. The LETRS training focuses on research-based methods and the science of reading. The five components of the science of reading guide the LETRS course. These components include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives and experiences of teachers from West Virginia schools who participated in the LETRS professional development course as a cohort. This study examined the questions: What are the perceptions of K-5 educators in implementing …

An Analysis Of The Impact Of Cognitive Writing Strategies On High School Writing Scores In A Suburban Tennessee District, Bethany A. Wilson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) writing assessment revealed that only 27% of eighth and 12^th graders are proficient in writing. The federal No Child Left Behind and Every Student Succeeds Acts have put pressure on schools to demonstrate proficiency on reading and math tests, leaving minimal time for instruction in other subjects, including writing. In addition to the pressure of standardized testing, teachers also find themselves underprepared to teach writing and overwhelmed by the demands of large teaching loads. While researchers have reported benefits associated with cognitive writing strategies since the 1960s, instructional demands have prevented …

A Study Of Apprenticeship Program Expansion Into Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises, Colby Webb

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Despite substantial policy investment in apprenticeship expansion, fewer than 0.4% of the American workforce participates in registered apprenticeship programs, with adoption rates remaining particularly low among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This qualitative multiple-case study examined the rationale, structure, implementation, and sustainability of formal apprenticeship programs across 11 SMEs representing manufacturing, woodworking, healthcare, energy, and food processing sectors. Three supplemental interviews with workforce development intermediaries and state-level apprenticeship support organizations provided contextual insight into regulatory processes and institutional supports. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis, and analyzed using iterative thematic coding in MAXQDA. Findings reveal that SME …

Data Culture's Influence On Instructional Change And Continuous School Improvement, Sara Guth

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The use of data for decision making and taking an evidence-based approach to instruction has been the gold standard for schools and their continuous improvement efforts for many years in elementary education. The system of military-connected schools is no different. This unique system has taken steps to support the development of a data culture in its schools to include providing clear guidance in its Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, designating weekly release time for students so that educators may engage in Focused Collaboration time, and designing structures and resources to support teams with this practice such as the Focused Collaboration …

Leadership In Chaos: Law Enforcement Perspectives On Addressing The Missing Piece Of Nims, Joshua Pierce

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of law enforcement leaders regarding how to address the missing piece of the National Incident Management System (NIMS): the initial, chaotic phases of large-scale incidents. Specific elements investigated included the major challenges faced by incident commanders, the necessary knowledge and skills required, effective training models, the receptivity of the law enforcement community to new and/or additional training, any perceived implications for personnel, and evidence-based guidelines and recommendations from policymakers and leaders. Purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling were used to select study participants. Study participants (n=20) were active, sworn law …

The Relationship Between Implementation Of Effective Schools Practices, School Performance, And Improvement, Kelly Mchugh Massinople

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Effective schools frameworks describe the evidence-based practices implemented at schools, including those with disproportionately high levels of students living in poverty, that have high levels of student achievement (Edmonds, 1979; Lezotte, 1982; Lezotte & McKee Snyder, 2010; Padilla et al., 2020; Sammons et al., 1995). This study examined the relationship between the implementation of effective schools practices, as described in the research, and school performance and school improvement, as reported in state accountability indicators. The analysis focused on improvement efforts initiated at 21 West Virginia schools identified in the fall of 2022 for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) under the …

Secondary Traumatic Stress, Compassion Fatigue, And Resiliency Strategies In Urban Public Schools, Clay Russell Welch

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Urban educators frequently support students who have experienced significant trauma, increasing their vulnerability to secondary traumatic stress (STS) and compassion fatigue (CF). Although trauma-informed practices have expanded in public education, limited research has examined how educators develop and sustain resilience strategies as they navigate the emotional demands of their work. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the strategies urban educators use to mitigate STS and CF and to understand how these strategies develop across educators’ professional experiences. The study also examined potential differences in strategies across demographic groups and considered implications for educational leadership.

Seventeen educators from …

A Qualitative Study Of Spanish Speaking Latino/A Teachers And Their Impact On Spanish Speaking Latino/A Students, Catherine Bennett Nwosu

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Despite the rapid growth of Spanish speaking students in U.S. schools, Spanish speaking educators remain underrepresented in the teaching workforce. This qualitative study examines the perceived impact of Spanish speaking educators on Spanish speaking students and families. Guided by Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Latino/a Critical Theory (LatCrit), this study explores how language, identity, and lived experience shape educators’ practices within school communities. Data was collected through focus group interviews with four Spanish speaking educators working in public schools in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States serving Spanish speaking students. Thematic analysis revealed that Spanish speaking educators serve as …

Apply, Pack, Travel, Repeat: An Autoethnographic Study Of Travel Grant And Travel-Based Learning Experiences As Professional Development For Educators, Julie Ann Midkiff

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative research study examines the impact of travel grants and travel-based learning experiences as professional development for educators. Using autoethnography as a research method, this study is written from the positionality of an elementary art teacher living and teaching in Southern West Virginia and as a doctoral student who was a successful applicant for two travel grant experiences, and a self-funded travel-based learning experience. I reflectively and reflexively to recount my personal and professional travel-based learning experiences, the lifelong and transformative learning that occurred because of them, and the direct and emergent outcomes that were the result of travel-based …

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

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

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

4-H Stem Ambassador Impact Study: The Lasting Effects Of Informal Stem Service Learning Through 4-H Camp Instruction, Emma Hay Gardner

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Although short-term outcomes of service learning are widely documented, far less is known about how these experiences influence participants years after their service concludes. Research on STEM-focused service learning is especially limited. This mixed methods study examined the long-term impacts of a West Virginia University STEM Ambassador program, in which college students served as near-peer STEM educators during summer youth 4-H programs. This study explored the lasting effects on former participants across four domains identified in the Service Learning Benefit (SELEB) scale: practical skills, interpersonal skills, citizenship skills, and personal responsibility skills.

Survey data from former participants (n=75), follow up …

Student Retention In Music Programs: An Analysis Of Relationships Between Selected Student Demographics And Continued Enrollment In Music Programs With The Presence Of School-Provided Supports, Jessica Wiese

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Music education provides significant cognitive, social, and academic benefits; however, elective music programs often face substantial annual attrition. While existing literature has documented material barriers (e.g., instrument costs, transportation, scheduling conflicts), this study investigates the persistence of attrition within a medium-sized suburban district on Long Island that has systematically mitigated these obstacles. The district provides free instruments, flexible scheduling, and dedicated transportation for all students. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine whether demographic disparities in music enrollment remain predictive of withdrawal in such a post-barrier environment.

The research used a two-phase explanatory sequential design. In the first …

A Descriptive Study Of Culturally Responsive Practices In Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports (Pbis) In West Virginia Elementary Schools, Janna Rae Coleman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This descriptive mixed-methods study examined elementary teachers’ implementation and perceived effectiveness of culturally responsive practices within existing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) systems in a West Virginia school district. Guided by Leverson et al.’s (2021) Culturally Responsive PBIS (CRPBIS) framework, the study explored five components of culturally responsive practice: identity, voice, supportive environment, situational appropriateness, and data for equity. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 86 elementary teachers using the researcher-developed Culturally Responsive Practices in Existing PBIS Survey. Findings indicated that teachers reported frequent implementation and perceived effectiveness across all five components, with the supportive environment receiving …