Higher Education Commons^™

Rural Black Church Leadership And Community Development In Midwest Illinois, Derrick Smith

Dissertations of Practice

This qualitative study examines the role of a rural Black church in leadership development and community sustainability within a Midwestern Illinois town. While extensive scholarship documents the historical significance of the Black church in civil rights, political mobilization, and social advocacy, limited research explores the founding of contemporary Black churches and the intentional processes through which they develop leaders and support community sustainability in rural or small-town settings. This study addresses that gap by investigating the establishment and evolution of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (NHMBC) in DeKalb, Illinois, and its impact on leadership development and Black community development.

Guided …

Preparing Students For What Comes Next: A Qualitative Study Of District Approaches To Postsecondary And Career Readiness, Amanda C. Pelsor

Dissertations of Practice

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR WHAT COMES NEXT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF DISTRICT APPROACHES TO POSTSECONDARY AND CAREER READINESS

This qualitative study examines how Illinois school districts support students’ readiness for postsecondary success and career planning and exploration. Despite longstanding state and federal efforts to improve college and career readiness, many students continue to face challenges after high school, including lack of workforce readiness, underpreparedness for postsecondary education, unclear career pathways, and difficulty navigating complex transitions. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explores how districts conceptualize and implement career readiness frameworks, the ways readiness work is embedded within district systems, and the barriers …

The Culturally Intelligent Higher Education Leader: Leadership Strategies Of Exemplary California Community College Mid-Level Student Services Administrators In Creating A Culture Of Inclusiveness, Marisol Alaniz

Dissertations

Purpose: It is the purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-method study to identify and describe the leadership strategies that exemplary mid-level student services administrators in California Community Colleges use to create an organizational culture of inclusiveness using Kennedy’s (2008) five leadership qualities.

Methodology: For this study, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used. The study’s quantitative part was conducted using an online survey instrument delivered to each participant. In the survey, participants were asked whether they were willing to take part in a one-to-one follow-up interview. Once identified, qualitative research was used to conduct interviews with exemplary mid-level student services …

From Silos To Systems: A Conceptual Framework For Workforce Aligned Oral Health Education, Meghan Bastin

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

In the current U.S. educational system, becoming a dentist follows a few prescriptive pathways.  Learners typically complete an undergraduate degree before entering time-intensive doctoral training.  This results in only 3-4 years of direct professional education embedded within an eight -year process, while learners accumulate significant financial investment in their education.  With the average cost of graduate-level dental education alone exceeding $300,000 and new federal borrowing limits likely to further constrain access, there is an opportunity to explore alternative ways of structuring oral health education.

This poster presents a conceptual, system-level framework that explores a perspective in which oral health education …

An Imperative For Leadership & Institutional Transformation: Going Back To Code, Jonikka Charlton

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap: Strategic Leadership For Student-Centered Advising And Retention At A Community College, Dina Abdul Rahman, Wenjun Chi, Katelynn Jarrells, Janet Ping

Doctor of Education Capstones

Community colleges serve as the most accessible gateway to higher education for millions of Americans, yet persistent dropout rates continue to undermine both student opportunity and institutional mission, particularly for first-generation students, students of color, adult learners, working students, and those experiencing financial precarity. This dissertation in practice examined high dropout rates at Delaware County Community College (DCCC), a multi-campus institution serving diverse communities across Delaware and Chester Counties in Pennsylvania. Guided by improvement science and grounded in critical pragmatism, Team RISE partnered with DCCC's Student Affairs division to investigate the systemic roots of student attrition and retention to develop …

Performance-Based Funding’S Influence On Higher Education Through The Eyes Of Department Chairs, Jonathan W. Lackland

Theses and Dissertations

Performance-based funding (PBF) has become a widely adopted policy in higher education, linking state appropriations to measurable outcomes such as graduation rates, degree completions, and workforce alignment. While PBF aims to enhance institutional accountability and efficiency, its implementation has raised significant concerns about equity and political influence. This dissertation examines the political equity and implications of PBF policies through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews with department chairs, and critical discourse analysis of state statutes and legislative debates. The findings reveal that PBF often exacerbates inequities, particularly for non-flagship universities serving diverse and under-resourced student populations. Department chairs expressed concerns …

Faculty Perceptions Of Engaging Generation Z Students Through Positive Education In The Classroom, Ashley D. Ragsdale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the engagement gap between Generation Z students and faculty in higher education, emphasizing how positive education approaches can help faculty become more confident and effective instructors. Generation Z students prefer instant internet access and digital learning, have shorter attention spans, and tend to be disengaged when instructors rely on traditional teaching methods. After the COVID-19 pandemic, this engagement gap became more evident. This basic qualitative study used semistructured interviews, reflexive journaling, and nonparticipatory observations. Participants included full-time health science faculty at a private university in central Texas. Each had at least 2 years of teaching experience …

Preserve Democracy By Teaching Social Action, Cheyenne C. Luzynski

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Concurrent Session Papers

This presentation introduces social action pedagogy aimed to empower students to lead campaigns on pressing social issues and strengthen their participation in democracy. Teaching social action has enhanced the knowledge, practice, and skills of leadership and civic engagement. America’s Promise Alliance conducted a research study on the state of young people in 2024 and found that young people have low trust in American institutions and adults and feel negatively affected by the current social and political climate (Flanagan et al., 2025). The report also found that young people want access to civic education and engagement opportunities to correct inequalities and …

Examining The Stories Of Early-Career Student Affairs Professionals And Free Speech Issues On College Campuses, Kimberly C. Farrer

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

This qualitative research study explored the stories of early-career student affairs professionals on their experiences responding to free speech issues on college campuses. Additionally, this studied explored how they were prepared for those responses. This study was important because early-career student affairs professionals are managing free speech issues on college campuses but lack the training and preparation to do this (Duran Leftin & Duran, 2021; Harris & Ray, 2014). This study utilized both authentic leadership theory (Avolio & Gardner, 2005; Gardner et al., 2005; Luthans & Avolio, 2003; May et al., 2003; Northouse, 2025) and Kohlberg’s (1976) theory of moral …

Shaping Resources And Equity To Improve Student Outcomes In Virginia’S Public Schools, Nia Byas, Ashley Coles, Briana Jones

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

School efficiency reviews are an essential accountability tool that protects classroom dollars, can generate long-term savings, and equitably improve student outcomes. Conducting a review every 10 years balances accountability with fiscal practicality and is extremely valuable as school districts face funding cuts.

Pilot Program For Telemental Health Access To Rural Underserved Localities, Traci Brickhouse Jones, Sarah Kott, Oswaldo Moreno, Aneida Winston

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

This proposal recommends legislation directing Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to establish a two-year pilot program focused on expanding telemental health access in rural Virginia. The purpose of the pilot is to address persistent behavioral health disparities in areas where residents face major barriers to obtaining timely mental health care.

The legislation is designed to build on existing telehealth infrastructure and aligns with Virginia’s Statewide Telehealth Plan under § 32.1-122.03:1, which already supports broader use of telehealth services across the Commonwealth. By creating a focused pilot first, the state can test implementation strategies before considering broader expansion.

Civic Engagement Education & Voter Preparedness Act, Monica Callahan-Smith, Elia Molina-Valenzuela, Kevin Starlings, Raven Sharrieff

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

Objective: To establish a structured, equitable, and consistent approach to civic education for all Virginia high school students.

Focus: Concentrates on practical voter readiness and high school instruction to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and active participation.

Trauma-Informed Approach In The Carceral System, Katherine Means, Adrienne Jackson, Tayia West, Kenneth Hunter

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

This proposal seeks to establish a foundation to drive the development of a comprehensive, trauma-informed framework for Virginia Department of Corrections by identifying opportunities and recommendations for implementation.

This proposal aims to improve VADOC’s adherence to a true structure of rehabilitation, leading to the adoption of a statewide trauma-informed corrections statute.

A Path Towards Housing Sustainability: Eviction Record Expungement Reform, Frank Molina-Valenzuela, Taisha Steele, Brandi Daniels, Tamara Del Rosario

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

The Problem: Confronting the "Scarlet Letter" of Housing

No Virginian should be denied a home because of a dismissed legal filing or a resolved financial hurdle from the past. In Virginia, the mere filing of an unlawful detainer (eviction) creates a permanent public record regardless of the outcome. The new permanent record acts as a "scarlet letter" in the form of a 7 to 10 year shameful blemish on their public record.

Unlocking Testing Potential: Establishing A Unified Testing Hub To Support Student Success, Pallavi Singh, Yonella Demars, Maggie Christ, Ewa Way, Lisa Domico, Karolina Aberg

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

This project evaluates the feasibility and strategic impact of establishing a centralized testing hub at VCU. By analyzing current practices, stakeholder needs, and peer models, the study aims to assess benefits such as improved testing integrity, accessibility, and operational efficiency. Findings will inform actionable recommendations for implementation, with the potential to enhance student success, reduce administrative burden, and position VCU in the forefront of secure, standardized academic assessment for both in-person and online education.

Reimagining Myvcu: Enhancing The Platform To Connect Our Staff, Rebecca Aldridge, Jake Burns, Kelsey Cappiello, Molly Case, Katie Ferguson, Adam Richardson

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

In an increasingly inter-connected world, higher education institutions continue to lag behind in their ability to break down silos — and VCU is no exception. This project seeks to improve upon the existing, centralized myVCU tool to address lack of connection to staff resources. We propose a redesign of myVCU based on research and feedback from VCU staff, tailoring the platform to streamline navigation and empower a united staff workforce. A key component will be a communications campaign to support staff buy-in. The ultimate goal is to transform myVCU into a critical tool that empowers and UNlocks the potential of …

Ram-Cents: Making Financial Sense For Vcu Rams, Anna Brown, Becca Klein, Cierra Eldridge, Corey Humphrey, Scott Robinson

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

With the cost of in-state tuition at public institutions doubling in the last 30 years, paying for college is one of the most significant financial investments families can undertake (Nadworny, 2025). As an access-driven institution, VCU faces additional challenges to ensure affordability for its students. More than ⅓ of VCU students are Pell Grant-eligible and 38% of freshmen are first-generation college students (Virginia Commonwealth University, n.d.). Having accurate, timely information related to billing and financial aid is critical for helping students and families make informed decisions in order to move through their degree progression. Outstanding balances on student bills impact …

New Media For New Marijuana: An Initiative Addressing The Challenges Of A Changing Cannabis Landscape And Its Impact On The Driving Safety Of The Vcu Community, Kelsa Bartley, Peter Henry, Donisha Terry, Emily Yeaman, Quingguo Xu, Matthew Winheim

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

Cannabis products today are significantly more potent and more widely available than in previous generations, creating new health and safety challenges for college students. This project aims to develop an evidence-based awareness campaign that delivers information about the health risks of emerging cannabinoid products and the consequences of impaired driving due to cannabis use. The campaign aims to increase student awareness, encourage responsible decision-making, and contribute to a safer, healthier VCU community.

Signals Of Success: Leveraging Early Alerts And Attendance Data To Support First-Year Students, Derek Behmke, Priscilla Hwang, Christina Mancini, Sarah Williams, Nick Wong

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

VCU’s Early Alert system has varied implementation across the University, resulting in inconsistent flagging to provide enhanced support for students. This project explores the demonstrated advantages of interventions using Early Alerts and barriers to widespread, consistent adoption by faculty. Recommendations include an enhanced communication plan that includes possible training or marketing approaches to faculty using a data-driven approach that centers on student success as well as intuitive integrated tools to simplify the process for faculty.

Unstoppable Workforce: Identifying Ai Gaps At Vcu, Valerie Cooper, Eliza Hunt, Demmie Pennix, Maiya Lee, Swadesh Das

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

AI in an UNstoppable workforce describes a future where artificial intelligence becomes a driving force that reshapes teaching, research, clinical operations, and administrative work here at VCU. We are gathering AI-related data, projects, and use cases from every school and college at VCU to contribute to a centralized AI hub. This hub will serve as the campus-wide resource for understanding how AI is being used, supporting collaboration, guiding responsible adaptation, and shaping a unified strategy for AI innovation across VCU.

Abstract: This project seeks to identify existing AI-related initiatives across VCU, assess perceived educational and operational needs, and explore opportunities …

Not Just Cheap Labor: A Critical Mixed Methods Assessment Of Working Learner Supervision To Advance Equitable Work-Integrated Learning, Jonathan D. Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how supervisory relationships shape the quality of on-campus student employment (OCSE) as a work-integrated learning (WIL) experience, with particular attention to the experiences of working learners (i.e., student employees). Situated in response to growing student demand for meaningful, career-relevant work opportunities in college, the study investigates how universities can leverage existing OCSE roles to expand access to WIL. Using a mixed methods explanatory social justice design, the research integrates working learner responses (N = 478) to the Student Supervisor Support Measure with interviews of students and supervisors in relationships characterized as both supportive and cross-identity.

Survey …

The Role Of International Student Office Directors In Facilitating The Transitional Adjustment Of International Students In U.S Higher Education, Agnes Afi Yigah

Masters Theses

This qualitative study explored how International Student Office Directors facilitate the transitional adjustment of international students in U.S. higher education institutions. Guided by Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (1981) and Schlossberg’s Mattering and Marginality Theory (1989), this study examined the challenges international students face, the support strategies implemented by International Student Office Directors, and the institutional factors influencing student adjustment and well-being. International students experience challenges related to housing and logistical adjustment, financial and immigration-related stressors, academic system adjustment and self-advocacy, and social integration and emotional adjustment. Proactive and holistic support approaches, including pre-arrival communication, orientation programs, academic support, emotional support, and …

College Vs. Career School Counseling: How Role Differentiation Shapes Student Postsecondary Expectations And Outcomes, Sam Luby

Journal of College Access

This study examines how high school counselor role differentiation, specifically college preparation and workforce readiness, relates to students’ postsecondary expectations (2012) and early outcomes (2016) using nationally representative data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). Multinomial logistic regression models controlling for academic achievement and socioeconomic factors indicate that the presence of college-preparation counselors significantly reduces the likelihood of students entering the workforce without postsecondary enrollment.

Workforce-preparation roles show no statistically significant association with postsecondary outcomes, though they are more common in schools serving higher-need populations. Academic performance and poverty status remain strong predictors across models. Findings underscore …

Graduate Student Retention: Examining Why Master’S Students Leave And What Motivates Their Return In A Large Public University System, Sonja Prophete

Theses and Dissertations

Graduate student persistence is a relatively unexplored area in the literature of higher education studies; specifically, at a multi-institutional scale at the master's level. This research study examines the factors which cause students to discontinue their master's degrees, and what conditions could possibly support them returning to their program at a large urban public university system. The current study was guided by Hoyt and Winn's (2004) distinction between non-returning students, and Bean & Metzner's (1985) theoretical model of student attrition. A sequential mixed-methods study was conducted to examine the institutional and environmental influences on students' decision-making processes.

The quantitative data …

January 2026 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

• January 22 SWOSU Near You: Tulsa
• February 26 The Chairman’s Tower Shoot
• March 12 Bernhardt Reception
• April 17 North Family Lecture & Friends of Crowder Lake Supper
• April 27 Everett Dobson Bulldog Golf Classic
• May 8 SWOSU Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner
• May 9 Spring Commencement

Research Brief: Developing Confident Professionals: Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy After Attending Their First Professional Conference, David Wolff, Scott Klimek

OER Materials

This study focused on a convergent parallel mixed-methods study which explored how undergraduate preservice teachers perceived professional self-efficacy during their first conference, the Minnesota Rural Education Association’s (MREA) Greater Minnesota Education Summit. The Greater Minnesota Education Summit highlights successful programs and practices in rural education across Minnesota. The Future Educator Workshop (FEW) was a subcomponent during the summit which gave aspiring teachers opportunities to build resumes, practice interviewing, network with school leaders, and engage in conference sessions, helping them prepare for the teaching profession.

Pre- and post-conference surveys measured changes in self-efficacy. Autophotography paired with photo elicitation allowed participants to …

Bipoc Faculty Thriving In The Community College System: Collective Healing, Joy And Liberation, Carolina Forero-Moreno

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This professional innovation dissertation addresses the need for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) faculty in Washington State community and technical colleges to have safe, sacred spaces to engage in anti-racist, anti-colonial, and healing practices. The proposed space is a year-long institute with bimonthly gatherings focused on decolonization work, liberatory practices, and collective healing. Gloria Anzaldúa’s Path of Conocimiento (2002) will be used to develop participants’ critical consciousness as racialized people. Emergent Strategy (brown, 2017) and the Constellations Framework (Constellations Framework, 2022) are used to learn and embody liberatory practices, all the while the Seven Circles of Wellness …

Storytelling And Equity: A Program Evaluation That Promotes And Supports Narrative-Based Learning And Open Dialogue Practices At Higher Ed Institutions, Regis A. Peeples

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

On college campuses worldwide, storytelling functions as a primary method for transmitting and affirming knowledge. It serves to validate lived experiences, acts as a relational teaching tool, and supports theoretical inquiry. Given that teaching is inherently political, storytelling can also perpetuate hate, oppression, and other social harms within academic environments. Even when educators use storytelling constructively, limited training exists on the full range of its impacts on students, particularly in terms of what may be described as “dangerous” storytelling. Dangerous storytelling refers to narratives, intentional or authentic, that reinforce or cultivate phobias about physical appearance (e.g., race, culture, nationality), propagate …

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

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

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