This study utilized a quantitative approach to compare extension employee perceptions across organizational structures in the West region on the following issues: program delivery, program evaluation, funding, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The three extension structures characterized in this study were county-based, area-based, and a…

For centuries, Black people in the U.S. have had to navigate structural and institutional racism. This is especially true for the system of policing, which evolved from pre-emancipation slave patrols. Though law enforcement agencies have made strides in the past 160 years, Black people continue to be targeted and killed by police at a…

As millions of U.S. citizens began to shelter in their homes due to the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020, another phenomenon began to take shape in the late spring. The murder of George Floyd had been committed and shared widely on the news and social media. As it did, a groundswell of discussions and social activism through a revitalized Black…

This phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of eight "non-traditional international students" (NTISs) at a public research university in the southeastern United States. Despite extensive research on international students, very little is known about this particular student population, their unique needs, and…

This dissertation investigated the persistence of African American college students with disabilities in higher education, focusing on academic, social, and institutional factors influencing their success. Using a qualitative approach and insights from interviews; findings revealed that comprehensive academic support services, social integration,…

Some still view arts education as a non-essential extracurricular activity despite its benefits. Even though the Every Student Succeeds Act acknowledges arts education is a healthy and well-rounded subject, local, district, and state administrators still control budget allocation and cuts, which generally affect arts education. There has also been…

Greek letter organizations are unique student organizations because they are supported, not only by student affairs professionals, but also by alumni chapter advisors. These advisors can influence organizational culture unconsciously through their underlying assumptions and beliefs. The purpose of this study was to examine how Fraternity and…

International students are an increasingly important population in the United States, growing in both size and contributions. While research has outlined challenges encountered by international students and the importance of campus climate, little research has defined and empirically assessed the friendliness of college and university campuses…

This educational research investigation explores the perceptions of current building administrators relative to their initial preparation and certification programs. Using a mixed methods type survey tool, administrators identified the formalized capacities in which they attained knowledge and skill in: (1) Legal issues regarding Special Education…

This educational research investigation explores the perceptions of current building administrators relative to their initial preparation and certification programs. Using a mixed methods type survey tool, administrators identified the formalized capacities in which they attained knowledge and skill in: 1) Legal issues regarding Special Education…

This educational research investigation explores the perceptions of current building administrators relative to their initial preparation and certification programs. Using a mixed methods type survey tool, administrators identified the formalized capacities in which they attained knowledge and skill in: 1) Legal issues regarding Special Education…

The purpose of this study was to collect and explore the stories of Korean immigrant parents of young adults with developmental disabilities as they transition to adulthood and how their attitudes and perceptions of disabilities have an impact on their youths' post-school experiences. Qualitative in-depth interviews with five Korean immigrant…

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to examine elementary educators' perceptions of full inclusion as the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. Thirty-six teachers and administrators participated in interviews and responded to multiple-choice survey items. The recorded data from the interviews were…

The interpretive nature of this dissertation study was grounded in the field of qualitative research. The purpose of the study was to qualitatively define successful inclusion instruction and/or programming. The units of analysis were three schools at each academic level within the Broward County School District which made Adequate Yearly Progress…

Social inclusion enhances the quality of life of young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Young adults with ID continue to face prejudice and discrimination that limit their social inclusion. They experience limited social inclusion because there are not enough appropriate activities available and they have limited opportunities to…