In this paper, I lay the foundation for a broader discussion of the impact of sexual harassment on the gender composition of college majors. First, I focus on the rates of sexual harassment experienced by different groups of students and how these disparities can be understood through the framework of intersectionality. In the next paper, I will…

This dissertation explores the transformative impact of short-term study away courses on women's leadership development in graduate education. Through a qualitative, case study approach, it investigates the experiences of women graduate students (n = 8) participating in an all-women study away course, aiming to uncover the factors that contribute…

This dissertation delved into the complex interaction between gender dynamics and leadership perceptions within outdoor recreation, particularly in the context of higher education. Utilizing Transformational Learning Theory, Critical Feminist Theory, and Conditional Outdoor Leadership Theory, this study aimed to uncover the nuanced ways in which…

As Title IX recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, there are still looming debates centered around compliance with federal policy, inequalities in collegiate athletics, and approaches to alleviate such issues at hand. While previous scholars have examined inequalities between men's and women's programs in collegiate athletics, few have asked…

Christian African American women in leadership have unique lived experiences. Although God calls women to lead, they often meet challenges in ministry and the marketplace. Developing into a great woman in leadership requires intentionality and preparation. This study explored the perceptions and perspectives of Christian African American women in…

There is a gap in research about the gender identity and gender experience of men leading all-boys middle-schools. In addition, there has been little work done exploring the link between the inner lives of male school leaders, their level of burnout or satisfaction, and the impacts on their school leadership. The purpose of this study was to…

This study is an exploration of experiences of Chicanx butch lesbian students who are navigating higher education environments in San Antonio, TX. Focused on the intersection of race, gender, and sexual identities, the testimonios in this study highlight how Chicanx butch lesbian students subvert and challenge dominant heteronormative and…

Inclusive research based on collaborative partnership with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has the potential to lead to relevant and meaningful research outcomes. An inclusive research approach is necessary for research endeavors which strive to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental…

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived leadership experiences of Black women principals in Title I schools in North Carolina. The theories guiding this study are Black feminist thought and Intersectionality which amplify and center the voices of Black women. The central research question for this study was "What…

Men are overrepresented at the highest levels of leadership in nearly every industry, despite studies that report that men are seen as having less effective leadership abilities than women (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017a; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017b; Catalyst, 2018a; Catalyst, 2019a; Catalyst, 2019b; Taylor et al., 2008; U.S. Department…

This study examined the unique leadership experiences of queer women in collegiate recreation, focusing on joy as a critical aspect of their professional journey. Employing a narrative inquiry methodology, the research documented the lived experiences of queer women in executive-level roles, exploring the complex intersection of gender, sexuality,…

African American women seeking senior administrative roles in higher education have few role models or defined pathways for advancement. These women only comprise 4% of all full-time college and university faculty which represents a gateway position to leadership roles. With low representation among faculty and in senior leadership positions,…

The study of gender identity is becoming increasingly important to the field of higher education as younger generations of students enter their undergraduate programs. "As the number of college students identifying as transgender," gender nonconforming, or another gender identity, increases, "so too does the need to understand their…

There is a significant gap in the number of women who go into college as computer science majors and decide to pursue the field in the workforce. There are challenges present for female students since the start of their education that their male counterparts do not face, which ultimately contributes to this gender gap. Such challenges include a…

This dissertation investigates the issue of gender stratification within engineering and other STEM-related fields. The dissertation is divided into three articles that address different aspects of the problem and propose potential solutions. Article 1 explores the persistent gender imbalance within STEM fields, particularly in engineering and…