This dissertation addressed the underrepresentation of African American women attaining doctoral degrees at universities across the nation. It also explored the McNair Scholars Program, and the role the program played in preparing African American female students for graduate school and completion of the doctoral degree. In line with the…

This dissertation examines the effect of a Buddhist-based program of mindfulness, taught as part of the curriculum of a graduate program, on the relationship of teacher-practitioners with their work. Collecting data on the experiences of three cohorts over a nearly three-year period, this longitudinal case study examines the experiences of…

Study abroad participation has become an increasingly important part of the college experience. UC International Programs, the study abroad office at the University of Cincinnati, has organized an experientially based, international professional development program for advising staff, with the goal of equipping them with the tools to encourage…

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 study analyzed the impacts of participation in short-term study abroad programs at Oklahoma community colleges through a quantitative research design. Student retention and degree completion are concerns for all types of higher education institutions, but U.S. community colleges experience an even greater struggle to retain students from…

As the technological world continues to grow and expand, the use of social media marketing continues to increase. Graduate programs looking to increase the number of applications received can turn to Facebook to market their programs. This study looks at the use of self-presentation, from a graduate program level of Facebook use, to create content…

The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the status of program evaluation within the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites. The National Science Foundation's REU program supports thousands of undergraduates annually in hands-on, immersive research experiences under the mentorship of…

This dissertation explores the transformative evolution of online learning, focusing on its role in K-12 online education and the critical issue of student engagement. Tracing its origins from early correspondence courses to today's dynamic, technology-driven platforms, this research examines how online learning has revolutionized educational…

The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which teachers received the education or training that prepared them to teach social studies content knowledge, social studies critical thinking skills, and their overall preparation to become highly qualified teachers. The participants in the study were active social studies teachers in Tennessee…

This study was conducted to specifically analyze the experiences of Haitian students during their college developmental education writing classes. The rationale was to fill the gap with scientific knowledge about better ways to help developmental education writing students since there is a need to improve their success rate. The following research…

In higher education today, there are various programs aimed at improving student retention and graduation success. These programs include both academic and non-academic initiatives aimed at increasing student engagement. One such high impact practice is undergraduate research. There has been an increase in the number of undergraduate research…

In the United States, elementary social studies instruction has significantly declined in recent decades, yet it holds valuable potential in allowing for spaces where the cultures and identities of our students can be centered and celebrated. Our educational systems are too often grounded in hegemonic ways of doing that are based around a dominant…

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary promise of an online, self-guided DBT skills course for Distress Tolerance, TheraHive. The course included seven weeks of skills lessons, that were delivered entirely online, in a self-guided format. The course material included written content, animated case studies, instructor…

For many learners in the United States, the education system has been dominated by compulsory education that largely ignores the learning that can happen when learners are able to follow their curiosity and explore without significant adult intervention. The research problem was that despite a wide body of literature on the benefits of…

Ethnic Studies has existed in higher education for more than fifty years. In high school, critical education researchers have recognized Ethnic Studies as vital to improving attendance, lowering suspension rates, and boosting GPAs for BIPOC students. This has given rise to the recent K-12 Ethnic Studies model curriculum adoption by the State Board…