This doctoral dissertation investigates the differences in perceptions of school climate among in-school stakeholders. The study focuses on how the participant's role within the school and gender impact their perceptions of school climate. Surveys were administered to students and teachers in a high school setting, with quantitative analysis…

It is essential that all students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have the motivational supports to persist in their STEM career trajectories. "STEM role models," or successful individuals in STEM, can be powerful tools to motivate college students towards STEM careers, particularly if students…

On average, the American university president is a white man in his early 60s. Progress has been slow for women in this role. This study examined the university presidency with a focus on the woman president experience. The hypothesis was that based on factors such as the glass ceiling and glass cliff, gender affects the experiences of women…

The purpose of this study was to understand the extent to which novice department leaders believe they have been supported in their roles. Previous research has suggested that department leaders have unique needs due to the lack of clarity in their roles and responsibilities. The literature further reflected the inconsistent support provided to…

This study examines the factors influencing immigrant students' enrollment in advanced mathematics courses during their high school years in the United States. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), this research investigates the association between each of the variables Institutional agent related social capital…

This study explored the motivators and inhibitors experienced by women pursuing high school administration positions. Additionally, it sought to identify the reasons behind the gender discrepancies to support improved hiring practices and job requirements and inform districts and states about areas for improvement to attract and retain qualified…

The manufacturing industry is crucial to the United States economy, constituting more than 10% of the gross domestic product (National Association of Manufacturing [NAM], 2022). However, the sector faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled labor and underrepresentation of women, which threaten its sustainability (NAM, 2023). Various…

This dissertation is a qualitative study that investigated the experiences of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) higher education professionals who hold a position in the President's Cabinet of a public university in the Western United States. The study utilized human capital theory, social capital theory, and social cognitive career…

This study explored the experiences and contributions of South Asian Americans actively engaged in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the realm of higher education. The research question that framed this study was: What are the lived experiences of South Asian American DEI educators in higher education? Supporting…

The purpose of this study was to examine stress levels of leaders of Jewish schools. The literature consistently indicates that the school principal is a key figure in the overall success of the school. In recent years, the demands on principals have increased and the principal's responsibilities have become more numerous and complex. These…

Bullying has become a significant problem for children of all national, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and it is one of the most underreported antisocial behaviors. Its negative impact causes psychological, physical, and social maladies and other long-lasting consequences for victims of bullying including suicide ideation. Recently, more…

The present dissertation discusses the importance of rootedness, defined as orientation towards place, and how it factors into sociolinguistic studies. Although rootedness is not a new concept in sociolinguistics, it has been infrequently operationalized to understand its role in language change. Linguists have discussed concepts similar to…

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…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the ways in which cultural and gendered expectations affect the experiences of Latinas in their attainment of a superintendency in California public school districts. Six Latinas, currently serving as superintendents in rural, suburban and urban areas of Northern California, the Central…

The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to determine if and to what extent male and female faith-based organization (FBO) leaders in the United States differed in their servant leadership attributes of altruistic calling, emotional healing, organizational stewardship, persuasive mapping, and wisdom. Servant leadership theory and the…