On Making A Difference: How Photography And Narrative Produce The Short-Term Missions Experience, Joshua Kerby Jennings

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

Short-term missions participants encounter difference in purportedly captivating ways. Current research, however, indicates the practice does not lead to long-lasting, positive change. Brian M. Howell (2012) argues the short-term missions experience is confined to the limitations of the short-term missions narrative. People who engage in short-term missions build assumptions, seek experiences, understand difference, and convey meaning, as a result of this narrative. The process of telling and retelling travel stories is integral to the short-term missions experience. Drawing upon literature on tourism, narrative, development, and photography, this study intends to evaluate the inefficacy of short-term missions through the stories which …

Changing Owners, Changing Content: Does Who Owns The News Matter For The News?, Allison M.N. Archer, Joshua D. Clinton

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

The press is essential for creating an informed citizenry, but its existence depends on attracting and maintaining an audience. It is unclear whether supply-side effects – including those dictated by the owners of the media – influence how the media cover politics, yet this question is essential given their abilities to set the agenda and frame issues that are covered. We examine how ownership influences media behavior by investigating the impact of Rupert Murdoch’s purchase of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in August 2007. We collect data on every front-page story and editorial for 27 months, and we …

Back To Africa In The 21st Century: The Cultural Reconnection Experiences Of African American Women, Marcia Tate Arunga

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the lived experiences of 18 African American women who went to Kenya, East Africa as part of a Cultural Reconnection delegation. A qualitative narrative inquiry method was used for data collection. This was an optimal approach to honoring the authentic voices of African American women. Eighteen African American women shared their stories, revelations, feelings and thoughts on reconnecting in their ancestral homeland of Africa. The literature discussed includes diasporic returns as a subject of study, barriers to the return including the causes of historic trauma, and how Black women as culture bearers …

Uncovering The Processes And Consequences Of Egyptian Immigrant Parental Involvement In Their Children’S Education: Bridging Cultural Differences, Hend Shalan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

For more than a decade, researchers have concluded that immigrant parents face several barriers to becoming involved in their children’s education. All studies agree that language and cultural differences are the most significant barriers to immigrants’ involvement in their children’s education, yet we know little about what these cultural differences are and how these cultural differences influence the school involvement of immigrant parents. This study integrates theories of cultural differences, acculturation, and culture shock and the corresponding literature to investigate the lesser involvement of immigrant parents in school-related activities.

A focused ethnographic design was employed and a thematic analysis …

Digitally Mediated: Exploring The Correlation Between Hyper-Reliance On Electronically-Mediated Communication, Verbal Communication Apprehension And Interpersonal Relationship Skills, Kevin R. Bertsch

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to identify a possible correlation between the use of electronically-mediated communication (EMC) as the dependent variable and both verbal communication apprehension (CA) and interpersonal intimacy and closeness as independent variables. Viewed through the lens of three primary theoretical perspectives, social penetration theory, social information processing, and uncertainty reduction, two questions formed the foundation of the project. RQ1) Is hyper-reliance on electronically-mediated communication associated with a corresponding increase in verbal communication apprehension during face-to-face conversations? RQ2) Is there a correlation between hyper-reliance on electronically-mediated communication and the ability to develop close interpersonal relationships? A combination …

Life Coaching -- Rising In Popularity Should It Be Regulated? A Look Into The Life And Work Of Emerging Life Coaching Star Gina Devee, Victoria R. Edwards

Capstones

The lifestyle and business coaching field is an international industry that grosses more than $2 billion, but it has no outside regulation. Some critics worry that without regulation harm can be brought to clients, but others say regulation would bring too much restriction into this growing industry.

Ua3/9/7 End Of Semester Message, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding 2016 fall semester.

Implementing Vocational Training At Escuela Quiteña De Estudios Bíblicos, Joshua K. Marcum

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This DMin project addressed the problem of the absence of a viable training model to equip graduates of EQEB (Escuela Quiteña de Estudios Biblicos) for self-sustaining ministry. Based upon a theology of vocation, the project implemented and evaluated the inclusion of a technical-skills component to EQEB’s current seminary training. The project followed the integration of sixteen EQEB students in the vocational program implemented during the 2015-2016 school year. Qualitative research data gathered from five group interviews with these students, my own field notes, and a faculty interview provided the substance upon which I based the project´s findings. Over a seven-month …

Formulating A Covenant Of Discipleship For The Membership Of The Gwinnett Church Of Christ, David Chisholm

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project addressed the lack of a covenant of discipleship for the membership of the Gwinnett Church of Christ (GCC). The purpose of the project was to develop such a covenant document to help all the members of GCC better live out the process of becoming more like Jesus. To provide a theological foundation for this project, I explored discipleship in the exhortation sections of the book of Hebrews, which specifically addresses the need for greater commitment and intentionality amongst a community of faith. I also explored the theoretical framework of how formulating a discipleship covenant document could create progress …

Ua3/9/7 Civility & Embracement, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty, staff & students regarding civility after 2016 election.

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. Letter from the President
• Presidential Selfie – Gary Ransdell, Corie Martin
• WKU Regents Pass 2016-2017 Budget
• Barbara Deeb Named NATAS Ohio Valley Silver Circle Honoree
• Two Alumni Named to WKU Board of Regents – Julie Hinson, Jason McKinney
• WKU Steel Bridge Team Finishes 1^st in Nation for Best Looking Bridge, 37^th Overall
• WKU Faculty Member Wasn’t Expecting Record-Breaking Run on ABC’s 500 Questions – Guy Jordan
• WKU Student Life Foundation Outlines 10-Year Housing Master Plan
• WKU Students 1^st in Photo, 2^nd in Multimedia in 2016 Hearst National Championships – Brittany …

Ua3/9/7 Four Matters, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding budget, National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), Fall Break Brunch and 2016 Holiday Break.

Ua3/9/7 Diversity & Embracement, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding diversity and racial tolerance.

Ua3/9/7 Unacceptable Racial Behavior, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to the WKU Community regarding unacceptable racial behavior.

Ua3/9/7 Med Center Health Partnership, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding agreements with the Medical Center of Bowling Green and University of Kentucky to create a sports medicine complex and medical school.

Formulating An Intentional Curriculum For Spiritual Leadership Development At The West University Church Of Christ, Daniel A. Mcgraw

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the lack of a formal curriculum for spiritual leadership formation in the West University Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. While the West University Church of Christ has been blessed by strong congregational leaders in both the past and present, recent conversations revealed the need for a deeper connection to God and a better understanding of spiritual leadership on the part of the congregation’s leaders. The problem I identified was a lack of understanding about spiritual leadership in contrast to secular understandings of leadership and the lack of a formal curriculum to help address this problem.

This …

Preferred Leadership Communication Styles Across Cultures, Joy J. Cherfan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports the results of a two-part study investigating preferred leadership communication styles across multiple cultural clusters. Utilizing a survey, part one identified the three most preferred leader communication styles (i.e., dominant, dramatic, contentious, attentive, animated, open, friendly, relaxed, impression leaving) in six cultural clusters. Using focus group data, the second part provides insight into subordinates’ perceptions of how these communication styles are enacted by leaders in each cluster. Guidelines on how to better communicate are offered to expatriates in hopes of helping them more successfully complete overseas tasks. Such guidelines are needed due to the high percentage of …

Ua3/9/7 Fall Welcome Message / Convocation, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding fall semester and convocation.

The Emergence Of Efficacy: Effects Of An Orientation Leader Training Program On Participant Self-Efficacy, Hayley Marisa Walker

Communication Studies

This study examined the effects of California Polytechnic State University’s Spring Training Program for student Orientation Leaders on participants. Specifically, the present research explored the impact of the programming on participant levels of self-efficacy over the course of ten weeks. Data were collected from individuals who volunteered to partake in the research by responding to two questionnaires throughout the program. The results show that participants’ reported higher perceptions of self-efficacy at the end of the program than they did at the beginning. Further, such increases are significantly influenced by the performance of, and relationships with, prominent leaders within the program. …

Ua3/9/7 2016 Spring - End Of Semester Message, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding budget and awards.

Challenging Students At Fort Worth Christian School To Engage The Economically Disadvantaged In Their Community, James Hensley

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents a project in which I led a group of students at Fort Worth Christian School in experiences that challenged them to be more engaged with the economically disadvantaged in their community. The problem I identified at the outset of the project was a lack of such experiences along with troubling attitudes about poverty. Many students initially demonstrated ambivalence or even outright hostility toward the notion of helping people who live in poverty. I found such attitudes to be contrary to the teachings of Jesus and to my central beliefs as a Christian. I believed …

Inspiring Innovation, Suraya Sulaiman, Azim Pawanchik

Asian Management Insights

How large organisations can leverage the digital advantage for innovation.

Our Voice, Our Choice: Race, Politics And Community Building On The Pages Of Five Historically Black College And University Newspapers From 1930 To 1959, Sheryl Monique Kennedy Haydel

Dissertations

From 1930 to 1959, the black college student-run press was a prolific voice leading discussions about ways to eradicate racial discrimination, amass political currency, and nurture communal solidarity. Embedded in their mission was a desire to awaken their readers intellectually and emotionally to join a mounting movement toward racial liberation. Yet, historians have ignored this expansive network of black collegian editors and writers, who were a philosophical extension of the professional Black Press.

Like their mentors in the Black Press, black college student editors and writers vigorously advocated for racial equality, took a combative stance against political gerrymandering that left …

An Examination Of Teacher Understandings Of Technology Integration At The Classroom Level, Shawn M. Carlson Phd

All Student Scholarship

The purpose of this dissertation is to describe and understand how teachers describe the changes in their practices as a result of ten years participation in a one-to-one environment. This research study focuses on one successful middle school’s adoption of laptops to support teaching and learning. A qualitative study using interviews of key participants was undertaken with teachers and administrators. The Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework was used in conjunction with Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation framework to understand from the participants’ perspective changes to their practice. The results indicate teachers underwent changes in their use of technology to …

Ua3/9/7 Budget Reduction Plan, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding budget cuts.

Ua3/9/7 Passage Of Biennial Budget, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the budget.

Ua3/9/7 Topper Orientation Program (Top) Sessions, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the Topper Orientation Program.

Ua3/9/7 Budget Update, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the budget.

Ua3/9/7 Current Status Of Budget Issues, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the budget.

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. Letter from the President
• From College to University: WKU Pylon
• WKU Honored for Programs Helping Veterans, Students in the Military
• Larry Snyder Named Dean of Potter College of Arts & Letters
• Brian Kuster to Lead Student Affairs for Next 2 Years
• Confucius Institute at WKU Honored at Global Conference
• 2 Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science Students Named Emperor Science Award Winners
• WKU Student Awarded U.S. Foreign Service Internship – Alexandria Knipp
• WKU Continues to Climb in Open Doors Study Abroad Rankings
• U.S. News Ranks WKU Online Programs Among Best in Nation
• Family & …