As the U.S. population shows increasing racial and ethnic diversity (Craig, Rucker, and Richeson 2018), it is imperative that engineering educators take steps to create a more inclusive engineering education environment. Several colleges in the U.S. have introduced diversity initiatives such as faculty/staff diversity training (O'Leary et al.…

This paper explores the move towards an all-female teaching force, particularly in the developed world, where men are turning their backs on the profession. It attempts to gather the evidence as to what is affecting men's choice to reject teaching as a career. It explores the possible causes of this change, which has been increasing over the last…

International students have been historically valued by universities for their contributions to their host countries. Yet, representations of international students in the general public have become increasingly mixed, an issue likely exacerbated by COVID-19, which has shown increased hostility towards international students. Given the increased…

This qualitative study analyzes the relationship between two concepts from critical race theory -- counterspaces and community cultural wealth. Counterspaces are supportive, identity-affirming community spaces, while community cultural wealth highlights the importance of the knowledge, skills, and networks used by individuals belonging to…

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are overrepresented in the criminal legal system. Further, many people with IDD move between large state-run institutions and the criminal legal system. In 2019, for example, 29% of people moving into large state-run institutions came from jails, prisons, and other correctional…

The demographics of the student population enrolled in college is changing in the United States and estimates show that minoritized students will become the majority of the enrolled student population by the year 2030. However, less than 10% of leaders at predominately White institutions are Black, with an even smaller percentage representing…

The lack of female representation and gender imbalance in the superintendent position nationwide has been a focus of scholars for many years. Researchers have demonstrated that females have the experiences, preparations, and expertise necessary but are not securing the superintendent position at the same rate as their male counterparts, causing a…

This dissertation examines the troubling underrepresentation of staff of color in Pacific Northwest community colleges. Despite the proven benefits of racial staff diversity in promoting student success, community colleges face challenges in recruiting and retaining staff of color. Existing literature concerning non-teaching staff at community…

The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative research study that could add to the existing body of literature about Latina recruitment and retention in educational administrative positions. The rate of Latina administrators is disproportionate to white males and females. To identify specific strategies that promote the increase of…

The disparity amongst African American males in education has been a major concern for educators and policy makers nationwide for many years. Though various researchers have made implications to precisely correct the issue, African American males still perform significantly behind their peers. This dissertation examined how one of the most…

Engineering Co-op Program at Midwestern Private University offers support for students seeking relevant work experience, yet only a small percentage of racially underrepresented undergraduate engineering students engage with the program. Understanding this inconsistency is important for progressing towards more equitable approaches. Prior research…

Women are seemingly well represented in teaching professions, but their presence in education remains incommensurate with their career advancement to educational leadership positions (Kutu & Zulu, 2022). Although women make up about 76% of public-school teachers, women are underrepresented in leadership positions beyond the classroom. A…

The curriculum used in educating young people has the ability either to serve as a catalyst for the development of a science identity or potentially sway individuals away from the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This study critically analyzed gender representation across 10 secondary education biology/life science…

Assessment methods across post-secondary STEM education are traditionally constrained by logistics and likely contribute to the widespread inequities in STEM education outcomes. As part of attempts to improve and diversify the methods used in assessment, the authors have developed a flexible and low-tech style known as 'public exams' based in…

The under-representation of women in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) is of great concern in South Africa. Despite the efforts made by the government to improve access to education for learners from previously disadvantaged communities, South African Black women are still under-represented in STEM fields. The present…