Although becoming more common, research on first-year programs for college students that combine several high-impact practices (HIP) are assessed at the institutional level, but not always published in peer-reviewed journals (Andrade, 2007). Research is being conducted, albeit mostly quantitatively, regarding individual HIP (e.g., impact of…

This study was conducted to investigate the decision-making process of students and their ability to connect passion when contemplating selection of a particular college major, and potential career. A phenomenological study approach was employed to obtain a better understanding of how student passion influences the decision-making process for…

Community college systems across the US have impacted the higher education goals and purposes in American education in profound ways. The mission of the community college is often seen as an opportunity for underprepared students to earn a degree or obtain a certification. The National Center for Educational Statistics (2014) reported that 60% of…

The purpose of this study is to contribute to efforts on countering violent extremism and radicalization. This research study measured attitudes towards violent extremist groups and the appeal of violent extremist ideologies among Muslim-American undergraduate students in universities and colleges in California. The target sample group for the…

Borup, Graham, West, Archambault, and Spring (2020) theorized that a student's level of engagement in an online course is influenced by course community support and personal community support, with both factors helping a student to achieve a level of engagement that is not possible independently. In other words, an individual student's ability to…

This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of thirty-four CEOs of color of the underrepresentation of minorities serving in presidential roles at community colleges. Research has identified an underrepresentation of race and gender diversity among community college presidents that fails to mirror the racial and ethnic diversity of…

Understanding the factors that influence nursing students to stay or leave a nursing program is vital to ensure our population has prepared nurses to care. Low student retention leads to fewer nurse graduates, negatively impacting the nursing shortage. Although several factors contribute to the nursing shortage, with many well beyond the influence…

This dissertation examines the role that culinary entrepreneurship communities of practice, using Lave and Wenger's Legitimate Peripheral Participation (LPP) model (Lave & Wenger, 1991), can lead to better social and economic inclusion for Middle Eastern Muslim refugee chefs in Utah. The life history approach was used to construct life…

Current recommendations for school mathematics include teaching algebra as a K-12 content stranding beginning in the elementary-school grades. The focus of this study was on preservice elementary mathematics teachers' knowledge of algebra content in the intended curriculum for K-8 mathematics. In the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics…

This doctoral study discussed ways of increasing student veteran transfers to 4-year colleges and universities while decreasing the state skills gap. A qualitative research methodology was employed to provide insight into how California's community college leaders perceive their role in improving student veterans' academic success from a shared…

Internationalization has become a buzzword in many US higher education circles. Despite the variations in how institutions define this concept, the common denominator seen in all definitions speaks to a simple principle: the inclusion of international perspectives to educate and promote a global sense of being for students. To limit the scope of…

Community colleges have recently begun supplementing nonacademic support services with student success coaching to increase retention. While preliminary research indicates that coaching may positively influence student retention, little is known about the student experience with coaching. The objective of this dissertation was to understand how…

The concept of academic momentum links student enrollment patterns to degree completion whereby patterns of meaningful, consistent collegiate enrollment increase the likelihood of earning a degree. Academic momentum encompasses both a student's trajectory and rate of progress toward a tangible academic outcome with a core assumption that momentum…

Typically, beginning teachers need proper support as they transition to the classroom to be successful; they may not have the specialized skills and knowledge to teach mathematics effectively. Induction programs are designed to provide the needed support to novice teachers during their early years of teaching (Ingersoll & Strong, 2011);…

Schools in the 21st century have grown increasingly complex and government mandates have compounded this complexity as principals have looked beyond their school to embrace stakeholders and authorities who view education from myriad perspectives. This qualitative case study examined the personal perspectives of leaders, reflecting upon their…