Throughout history, higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United States (U.S.) have espoused the goal of developing an educated citizenry with the capacity to engage across difference and contribute to solving the major issues in society (Association of American Colleges & Universities [AACU], 2019; Kezar, 2004). Although significant…

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to increase grit, growth mindset, and self-efficacy in pre-adolescent students attending a K-5 public elementary school in Northwest New Mexico by implementing intervention activities in which students were given opportunities to learn and develop grit and growth mindset, thus resulting in improved…

A student's sense of belonging can affect many aspects of their achievements, and their academic and social life (Freeman et al., 2007; Hausman et al., 2007; Hoffman et al., 2002; Strayhorn, 2012). Vaccaro and Newman (2022) contended only by understanding the process of belonging development, one can develop a sense of being as students navigate…

This dissertation brings together two research strands that study: (a) the ways in which physics and STEM students contribute to growing capacity for institutional change within collaborative teams and (b) the support structures of graduate programs through an innovative methodology grounded in network science. The first research strand is…

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning model is touted by its proponents for its potential in broadening access and participation in STEM learning through deep, authentic engagement in integrated STEM and arts practices. One location STEAM learning occurs is the new media arts classroom, where learners use…

The college marching band provides students with opportunities that foster student development, defined as the personal growth and identity development of students due to environmental factors in higher education. However, previous research has not focused on the role of college marching band participation in student development. The goal of this…

Student conduct is a critical element of student development. The problem investigated by this study was that monetary fines as a punitive sanction tend to be overly represented in the student attrition group at the study site. The purpose of this study was to investigate how students and student conduct administrators (SCAs) at the study site…

The creation and implementation of holistic educational experiences is invaluable for optimal student and staff development and retention in an institution of higher education. This dissertation involves a participatory action research on one such mechanism: mentorship. This study on mentorship leverages Tinto's (1975-2014) theoretical frameworks…

How instructors teach argumentation and research skills influences students' epistemic development and performance on critical thinking tasks. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the existing beliefs, values, and knowledge of university instructors to inform future research, faculty support, and curriculum development on how to support these…

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified that approximately 1.8 million cybersecurity positions were vacant in 2021 because of a lack of professionals with the required skill sets and who remained in their jobs long enough to contribute to their organizations' cybersecurity needs. Also shown was the rising global…

This study examined the team and classroom experiences of student athletes in the autonomous student athlete climate. A narrative qualitative research approach was used to describe and interpret the experiences and perceptions of six NCAA Division I student athletes from three different universities located in the Midwestern and South-Central…

This quantitative study examined the impact of professional learning communities (PLCs) implementing a "Focus on Learning" in a Title I school in north central Georgia. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact PLCs can have on student growth and achievement in fourth and fifth-grade mathematics, once teachers spend time…

The concept of service-learning combines academic studies with real-world community issues. It aims to help students develop themselves through reflection and critical thinking while also making a positive impact on the community. Integrating service-learning into foreign language and culture education can fulfill the need for practical language…

A changing landscape in youth sports and educational institutions has resulted in a growing number of high school student-athletes being coached by adults who do not work in the schools they attend. This study provides a foundational understanding of the relationship between in-building coaches, hereafter referred to as educator-coaches, and their…

This dissertation aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the distinct challenges encountered by Black first- and second-generation college students within higher education. By highlighting the multifaceted obstacles these students face, this research emphasizes the necessity for a candid and nuanced dialogue that transcends race,…