Higher Education Commons^™

A Qualitative Narrative Study About Mental Well-Being And Coping Strategies In Generation-Z Undergraduate Student Leaders, Lacey Folsom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was a qualitative narrative on the advantages experienced by Generation Z students who participated in leadership roles within university-sponsored student organizations. This study incorporated generational, coping, and transactional theories to help the researcher establish a potential link between the mental well-being of students and their participation in cocurricular university-sponsored groups. The primary goal of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how students perceived the influence of their participation in student organizations on their ability to handle mental well-being issues. It sought to explore whether factors such as time commitment, skill development, or an increased sense …

Faculty’S Role In Creating A (Remote) Sense Of Community Among Faculty And Facilitating Contexts Of Care For Students, Jesus R. Nunez, Jesus Cisneros, Isela Pena

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: This qualitative study employed a sensemaking approach to understand faculty members’ sensemaking of their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency transition to remote teaching and learning.

Methods: An email invitation to participate in the study was sent to faculty who taught in an MBA program during both the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic school years. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 faculty members who self-selected to participate in the study.

Results: Two salient themes emerged from the research: creating a (remote) sense of community among faculty and facilitating contexts of care for students. These …

Perception Of School Governing Bodies About Decentralisation Of School Governance In Eswatini, Swaziland, Ibiwumi Abiodun Alade, Goodness X. Tshabalala

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The adoption of decentralisation as a reform in the administration of education sector in Eswatini has been a subject of debate due to its attending challenges. This study therefore examined the perception of school governing bodies about decentralisation of school governance in Eswatini, Swaziland. The qualitative case study is embedded in the interpretative paradigm, and it employed the Subsidiarity Theory (ST) as a framework for understanding the decentralization of school governance in Eswatini. Four research questions guided the study while purposive sampling technique was used to select five school principals from the selected schools who had served as principals for …

July 2024 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

July 29- August 9th

Online Auction- 18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

August 1

SWOSU Near You: Eischen’s in Okarche, OK

August 9

SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

August 10

18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

September 13

SWOSU Charitable Hunt

October 26

SWOSU Homecoming

Why Researchers Need To Hear Practitioners’ Voices: A Call To Action, Donna Zerr, David Wolff, Carissa Gober

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

This article encourages educators to embrace their role as researchers and contribute to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. It highlights how everyday classroom experiences can lead to meaningful inquiry, and it urges practitioners to share their findings through self-study and scholarly writing. By making their work public, educators not only validate their experiences but also help expand collective knowledge and improve practice across the field. The article serves as both a guide and an inspirational call for educators to let their voices be heard.

A Comparison Of Specialized And General Orientation Courses For Community College Students, Heather R. Sorrell

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the effect of specialized orientation courses on community college student academic achievement and retention. The study utilized a quantitative design and compared the outcomes of specialized orientation courses to a more generalized orientation course. Due to the lack of previous research, there was little to suggest either a positive or a negative influence on student success measures for a targeted, specialized version of orientation courses. The study found that achievement outcomes did not differ between specialized orientation courses and general orientation courses. The study did find retention differences based on the type of orientation course completed. Students …

The Refractive Thinker®: Artificial Intelligence: The New Frontier Of The Digital Age: Ch 7: Navigating The Integration Of Ai In Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges, And Ethical Considerations, Cheryl Lentz, Dr. Karen Balcanoff

Publications

As educators in higher education continue to learn the effects and influence of artificial intelligence (AI), there are questions regarding the role of educators. According to Bearman et al. (2023), more research has been conducted about AI technology rather than how AI will affect higher education institutes (HEI). The goal of this chapter was to begin to fill this gap regarding the how by offering discourse through a refractive thinking approach and review of the literature with practical application of this how, particularly in the areas of (a) ethics and cheating, (b) use of administrative repetitive tasks easily delegated, and …

Collaborative Leadership And Student Success Perceptions Of Chief Academic Affairs & Chief Student Affairs Officers At Midwestern Private Higher Education Institutions, G. Merchel Allen Menefield

All Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This quasi-experimental study focused on collaborative leadership in higher education, emphasizing its potential impact on student success and career readiness. The 66 Chief Academic Affairs Officers (CAAOs) and Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs) participants worked at Midwestern private higher education institutions, which were members of The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) (n.d.). The participants completed Collaborative Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaires (Turning Point, n.d.) that included a student success section, which was developed and added based on research topics presented by Kezar (2003) and Kezar and Holcombe (2020). The results showed no statistically significant differences in perceptions of collaborative leadership influencing student …

And Still We Rise…An Examination Of The Perceptions Of African American Women’S Lived Experiences Regarding Barriers Faced During Their Journeys To Executive Leadership Positions At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Tanya White, Dianne Reed, Ls Spencer, Charlotte Fontenot, Mack Hines

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This qualitative case study described the lived experiences of 11 African American women regarding the barriers that they faced on their journeys to obtaining executive leadership positions at historically black colleges and universities and universities (HBCUs). Five of the African American women served in their positions at predominantly white universities (PWIs) in addition to HBCUs. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of African American women regarding steps they have practiced continuing their path to notable success in higher education leadership. We described the behaviors and practices of these African American women leaders and how they engage …

2024-06-20 Non-Tenure Track Ad Hoc Committee Report, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

A report from the Non-Tenure Track Ad Hoc Committee submitted to the Faculty Senate on June 20, 2024.

2024-06-20 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes from June 20, 2024.

Exploring Land-Grant Institution Partnerships To Better Serve Audiences, Carol A. Roberts, Kenya N. Washington, Alicia Betancourt, Holly Abeels, Dreamal Worthen, Martha Monroe

Journal of Extension

Programs within the Cooperative Extension Service often develop partnerships with other agencies and organizations to better meet their common goals. While there are many benefits of partnerships, they can be challenging when the partners are unequal or have dissimilar needs. Using a survey and interviews with faculty and administrators at two land-grant institutions we explore the similarities and differences that pull and push at their partnership. Recommendations to strengthen partnering opportunities at the institutional and program levels are provided.

A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Analysis Of Cross-Race/Cross-Ethnic Academic Advising First-Generation Latina/O Students Attending A Predominantly White Institution, Aisha A. Alvarez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of first-generation Latina/o students with non-Latina/o academic advisors at a Predominantly White Institution, Pink Ivy University. It is important to identify policies and practices for academic advising that can strengthen the relationship between first-generation Latina/o students and non-Latina/o academic advisors. Miller’s relational-cultural theory (RCT) guided this study. RCT was used to shape the sub-research questions and was used to frame the data analysis. First-generation Latina/o students over 18 who have completed at least one full year at the selected PWI and have used the services of their non-Latina/o …

Exploring School Leadership Styles Used To Improve Instruction And Learning In Schools, Nana Yaw Agyeman Mr, Venessa Aphane Ms

Journal of Research Initiatives

Schools are under intense pressure to improve quality and achieve long-term educational outcomes. To improve education, schools' teaching and learning environments must be improved. This research evaluated the various leadership philosophies used in South African schools to improve teaching and learning. The study's qualitative methodology included in-depth interviews with open-ended questions. A purposeful technique was used to select 16 participants from four different schools. The participants included four principals, four school management team members, four department heads, and four teachers. Themes guided the data analysis, focusing on patterns and resemblances while maintaining data quality. The study's findings revealed that school …

2024-06-14 Faculty Regent Report, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

A report submitted by the Faculty Board of Regent member to the Faculty Senate on June 20, 2024.

An Exploration Of The Mentoring Experiences Of Ethnically Diverse Women Faculty At An Hbcu: A Qualitative Case Study, Tonya M. Brown, Ruth Boyd

Journal of Research Initiatives

This qualitative case study explored the professional and personal growth benefits for women faculty who engage in mentoring relationships at a historically black college or university (HBCU). Data were collected using one-on-one interviews with full- and part-time women faculty members who served as research participants. The participants provided data about their experiences with mentoring, including details such as the frequency of their meetings with mentoring partners, the preferred method of communication, and the areas of support resulting from the mentoring relationship. Findings indicated that mentoring relationships positively enhanced the experience for women faculty teaching in full-time or adjunct positions in …

2024-06-13 Emails From The Non-Tenure Track Ad Hoc Committee, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Emails from the Non-Tenure Track Ad Hoc Committee and Faculty Senate President from June 6 to June 13, 2024.

Woosah! Minoritized Student Affairs Professionals: Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue At A Predominately White Institution, Julius J. Grayson

Theses and Dissertations

Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis this study explored the rich experiences of seven racially minoritized student affairs professionals (RMSAPs) who experienced racial battle fatigue (RBF) and the impact it had on their health at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Social psychological research has identified both blatant and subtle forms of racial discrimination have adverse which lead to deleterious mental health outcomes for racially minoritized individuals. The findings indicated that these racially minoritized student affairs professionals were experiencing racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue at their predominately white institution. In order to reclaim their wellness, participants shared the strategies they used …

Shifting To The Online Environment: Exploring Virtual And In-Person Collaborations Between Community College Libraries And Writing Centers, Julia Stone

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Community college libraries and writing centers are natural partners due to their shared goals regarding academic support and student success, as well as their joint focus on the interrelated processes of writing and research. Research has shown that libraries at four-year institutions and writing centers collaborate in many ways, but little research has been conducted on collaborations at community colleges and whether these collaborations have moved to a virtual setting. Given the rise in online education at community colleges and students' need for developmental education in writing, this study used a qualitative survey approach to gain a better understanding of …

2024-06-06 Email From The President On Non-Tenured Faculty, Morehead State University. Office Of The President.

Faculty Senate Records

An e-mail message sent by the President to the Ad Hoc Committee of Non-Tenured Faculty in regard to proposed changes to policies with faculty instructors on June 6, 2024.

From First Gen To Faculty: A Narrative Study Of First-Generation College Students Who Became Community College Faculty, Patrick Nevins

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of first-generation community college faculty through narrative inquiry. Qualitative data were collected through semi-standard interviews with full-time community college faculty who were first-generation college students. In the first level of analysis, narrative accounts were created from the data, and in the second level of analysis, narrative accounts were compared for the identification of codes. Three themes emerged from data analysis: (a) being college bound from school age, (b) facing barriers to academic success as undergraduates, and (c) relating to students as faculty. The implications of the study are that first-generation …

June 2024 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

August 1 SWOSU Near You: Eischen’s in Okarche, OK

August 9 SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

August 10 18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

September 13 SWOSU Charitable Hunt

October 26 SWOSU Homecoming

A Program Evaluation Of The Necessary Attributes, Accommodations, And Resources Neurodivergent Students Require For Success In Higher Education, Barbara Muñoz

Dissertations

Without academic resources and accommodations, neurodivergent students with mild to moderate Learning Disabilities (LD) may be unable to navigate the academic challenges and rigor associated with college success. I used a mixed-methods research design to collect data from various stakeholders to determine the supports neurodivergent students with LD need to be successful in college. My findings indicated students need accommodations for their learning differences, access to assistive technology, access to counseling or mental health services, and access to specialized support personnel to be successful. I recommended a policy to ensure neurodivergent students and their caregivers are aware of post-secondary institutions …

Hear Their Voices: Black Male Student Perceptions Of Retention Initiatives At An Hsi In The Midwest, Joshua Watson

Dissertations

The enrollment of Black male students in colleges and universities over the last 30 years increased yet Black male retention rates have not increased proportionately to the enrollment rates of Black male students. Many colleges and universities recognized the importance of increasing Black male retention and invested millions of dollars in Black male retention initiatives, mentorship initiatives as well as hiring additional staff dedicated to Black male retention. Black male students use a variety of social support systems and coping strategies to persist in college despite facing economic, social, and political barriers to persistence. However, many Black male retention initiatives …

The Fourth Wall Of Dialogue: A Co-Constructive Collaboration On Bipoc Student Sense Of Belonging In Higher Education, Valarie Lindsey

Dissertations

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students’ sense of belonging (SOB) at higher education institutions has decreased over the last 30 years despite numerous initiatives aimed at increasing a sense of belonging for this group of students and addressing the challenges they face from various intersectionalities including cultural biases, gender marginalization, and racial subjectivities. Sense of belonging is often subjective in nature because it refers to an individual's lived experience, it is important for higher education institutions to tailor their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive (DEI) initiatives to meet the needs of the students on their campus. This initiative should include …

Climbing The Doctoral Mountain To Success, Ronald Black

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

All educational journeys lead to successful personal and professional conclusions. Online doctoral students face numerous challenges from cultural, academic, and technological challenges throughout their doctoral journey. The doctoral journey requires the completion of a dissertation, a sign of scholarly achievement and success. With technology, online doctoral students enter a doctoral program looking for motivation to be successful and enhance their online doctoral journey. Mentoring plays a significant role in an online doctoral student’s journey through the doctoral study and research process. The doctoral mentor’s role is to advise and motivate online doctoral students through the dissertation process. Doctoral mentors guide …

Building Community For Completion: Doctoral Students’ Perceptions Of Technology Integration Within Dissertation Committee Collaboration, Scott A. Fillman, Barbara Holmes, Dejuanna Parker, Kent Willis

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the prevalence of technology-mediated collaboration and mentorship between dissertation committee members and doctoral student scholars. Qualitative research methods were used to explore the role of technology for collaboration and building community within dissertation committees, focusing on dissertation scholars’ perspectives. The study was based on one overarching research question: How do doctoral students describe the integration of technology for collaborating with dissertation committees? Doctoral scholar participants described the importance of technological literacy within dissertation committees, most indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the importance of fluency with technology. Other participants portrayed the importance of technological literacy within …

Ripple Of Hope: Understanding The Lived Experience And Academic Achievement Of Latinx Students At Arrupe College And Dougherty Family College: A Case Study, Richard P. Virgin

Dissertations

One of the most common and important entry points into higher education for Latinx and other underrepresented students is through community college. However, national completion rates for Latinx community college students have been trailing their white peers. This gap in academic achievement has prevailed since the 1990s. The trailing rates of degree completion for Latinx students can lead to lower lifetime salary earnings, lack of career advancement, greater risk of losing employment, and an increased chance of living in poverty. However, a successful community college model may be seen as a disruptor in the educational sector due to its much …

Empowerment And Advocacy Culture Within Higher Education For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Case Study, Rachel R. Kovach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the impact that advocacy and empowerment practices have on the intellectual disabilities community in academic and social constructs for students within community colleges and disability programs on the West Coast of California. The theories that served as the foundation of this study are intergroup contact theory and empowerment theory. Intergroup contact theory assures that the acceptance of societal norms and expectations must be agreed upon and embraced by all within a subpopulation for cultures to adapt and advance. Empowerment theory states that a fundamental goal during moments of progress and struggle …

Representation Matters: The Importance Of Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color (Bipoc) Students Identifying With Academic Advisors, Temeshia N. Lemons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the underdeveloped identifiable relationships with assigned academic advisors for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) at a public higher education institution. The theory guiding this study was the relational cultural theory (RCT), as it assisted with understanding the importance of BIPOC students developing identifiable relationships with assigned academic advisors. This study's central research question asked, "What are the experiences of BIPOC students building positive relationships with assigned academic advisors?" A qualitative research design was chosen for this study to explore further the experiences shared among …