Increasing the diversity representation among students of color is a critical need in colleges and universities of today. Education institutions are tasked with implementing imaginative ways to recruit, retain, and graduate students of color, especially at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). Multicultural mentorship programs at PWIs have been…

Educational intervention research addresses multiple barriers that under-sourced communities face in education. I test three methods to improve education program design and evaluation to develop programs that have substantial and lasting impacts on student outcomes. In my dissertation, I review current challenges to educational program evaluation…

This study focuses on the experiences and perceptions of faculty members who develop and lead study abroad programs for students enrolled in higher education institutions. Through qualitative case study inquiry, four questions are answered. First this study explores what motivates faculty members to become involved in the development and…

Gifted programs, designed to enhance engagement and rigor for students exhibiting talent or potential beyond their peers in the general education classroom, are not equitably identifying and serving Hispanic/Latino students. This qualitative study explored gifted programming at a Title I elementary school located in a largely Hispanic/Latino…

A qualitative case study approach was employed to explore the perspectives of stakeholders affiliated with an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in the pacific northwestern United States. Utilizing Artiles' (2009) cultural-historical paradigm, three research…

The qualitative research study was guided by the following research questions: What factors impede how parental advocacy works in collaboration with the IEP team, and what motivates parents to be involved and/or engaged with their child? The qualitative study examined the everyday experiences of parents and school personnel as they collaborate to…

Diet modification has become a fundamental clinical tool for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) within dysphagia management, particularly for acutely ill patients. However, for dietary modifications to meet intervention goals of increased intake and prevention of negative health consequences, adherence is needed across healthcare professionals,…

This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of disabled student activists involved in the creation of disability cultural centers (DCCs) on college and university campuses in the United States. The main purpose is to advance recognition of disability as a marginalized student identity on college campuses in need of safe spaces…

Even in a higher education environment characterized by a shift in student interest and funding sources towards STEM programs, some religious studies programs are able to expand at state universities. Prior research on curriculum, the development of the humanities, and organization decisions more broadly points to a complex array of factors…

Although many studies make important contributions to understanding the process and outcomes of school-based parent involvement initiatives, more work needs to be done to measure parent perceptions of parent involvement practices, policies, and barriers in low SES schools serving minority students. This qualitative case study looked to identify…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how the military and veteran services offices in public institutions are supporting student veterans in their higher education journey. This study was aimed to allow Chief Military and Veteran Services Officers (CMVSO) in 4-year public institutions to identify challenges and opportunities in…

For decades, professional organizations and leaders in the field of student affairs have called for student affairs professionals to engage in evidence-informed programming (EIP). EIP refers to the use of theory and empirical research to build programs intended to impact specific student learning or development outcomes. The benefits of EIP range…

Special education administrators wear many hats as they traverse through a myriad of responsibilities and challenges that they face in their current positions. Increased accountability coupled with rapidly changing legislation adds to the complexity of their job duties. This study examined whether differences existed in special education…

There is a grave need for additions to the school psychologist's toolbox to support students with intellectual disability (ID) and sexual trauma. These children are especially vulnerable to adverse life experiences overall and are at a particularly high risk of experiencing sexual abuse and resulting trauma. Children with ID are less likely to…

"Yogatise" is a home-based, online yoga program that was specifically developed for children and youth with disabilities between 6 and 17 years of age to create a meaningful occupation outside of school and to increase their social, emotional and physical well-being. It has been found that children and youth with disabilities experience…