Purpose: The overarching aim of this journal-ready dissertation was to investigate the degree to which differences existed in performance on the STAAR English I End-of-Course exam by student economic status, race/ethnicity, and language status. The objective of the first article was to ascertain the extent to which the economic status of boys and…

First-generation students identify from unique familial upbringings and disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and are not afforded the same educational opportunities as their non-first generation counterparts as a result. The disparities first-generation students experience throughout education contributes to their educational access,…

Since the unforeseen onset of COVID-19, college students have encountered many different issues and challenges including housing insecurity, food insecurity, financial struggles, mental health challenges, and family obligations (Lederer et al., 2021). However, these struggles have had a disproportionate impact on nontraditional students compared…

A subset of individuals with learning disabilities is currently prevented from accessing postsecondary education; these individuals experience general learning disabilities, or GLD (Greenspan, 2017, p. 117). GLD is not a formal disability category in K-12 special education; individual students might not be eligible for academic supports and…

This dissertation explored the experiences of doctoral candidates, students, and recent graduates who self-identify as Women of Color (WOC) from Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) doctoral programs. This group included women who self-identified as members of racial, ethnic, or minority groups such as African American, Asian American, Black…

We examine three coding bootcamps offered by LaunchCode (LC101, Women+, and CodeCamp) to understand if tailored structures within coding bootcamp programs--designed for underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)--lead to increased program persistence for women, underrepresented minorities, and low-income…

This project emerged from the voices of eight female teacher candidates of color, who wanted to address the inequitable representation of historically underrepresented groups within elementary school education. Using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) advanced by Fals-Borda, the teacher candidates designed instructional units that used…

Most student performance metrics are based on quantitative assessment from traditional test and examination scores. However, there is an apparent scarcity of exploratory qualitative studies to examine the characterization of traits, attitudes, and behaviors that may influence students' performance outcomes. Moreso because such characterization…

In the globalized higher education landscape, international students are integral to the academic community. International students often face unique challenges, including language and cultural barriers, adjusting to American classroom expectations, and feelings of isolation. This qualitative study explores impostor feelings among nontraditional…

This Mixed Method Case Research Study (MMCSR) investigated the application of andragogical principles by adult fitness instructors at the Greater Louisville YMCA's. Utilizing the Modified Instructional Perspectives Inventory (MIPI) and a focus group, the study explored the instructional views of fitness instructors from an andragogical…

Caring for others is integral to what makes us human. We have all experienced the care of others that has helped us to survive and thrive, and in turn, others rely on us for care. A pedagogy of care, based on a feminist ethics of care, recognizes the centrality of care in our lives and thus its relevance for education. This pedagogy encourages…

This autoethnographic dissertation research explores Critical White Studies (CWS) and racial trauma and their impact on Students of Color in a higher education setting. This study aims to challenge the deficit thinking of white educators who perpetuate racism in higher education. The relationship is examined to dismantle the white ideology of…

Social group disparities persist in who chooses to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in higher education. Goal congruity theory has highlighted how perceptions of other-oriented opportunities in STEM can spur interest among underrepresented students. The present work extends this framework by considering how…

There is a problem in Minneapolis communities at the intersection of ecological and social systems. Despite efforts to use native prairie plants for cleaning water, the social justice stories connected to native prairie plants were being ignored. This problem has negatively impacted communities because native prairie plants can be an educational…

Agricultural educators can have a profound impact on student's lives and are often aware of their students' life experiences outside of the classroom. Students often treat their agricultural educator as a mentor, which increases their likeliness of confiding in them when facing hardships, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). An ACE is…