The rise in numbers of non-tenure track faculty (NTTF) and the impact on student success is not a simple causal relationship. Rather, it is a complex formula of academic supports, strategic staffing, and professional socialization that drives student retention and, inevitably, graduation. At the center of the administration, policies, students,…

This dissertation consists of two chapters at the intersection of labor and the economics of education. In Chapter 1, I examine the role of management in the public sector, focusing on school principals and how they impact student outcomes. I find that a one standard-deviation increase in principal quality raises average student achievement by…

Healthy and effective faculty members are vital to student learning and ultimately to institutional effectiveness (Finkelstein et al., 2016; Y. K. Kim & Sax, 2017), yet recent challenges and changes to higher education have significantly affected the faculty role and faculty well-being, resulting in increased dissatisfaction, stress, and…

In Texas, employing more adjunct faculty has helped meet staffing demands as community college enrollment has increased. However, training and retaining these part-time employees has created a unique challenge as adjunct faculty have less opportunities and motivation to participate in professional development (PD). Applying Vygotsky's…

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) professionals often serve as change agents tasked with leading university-wide EDI efforts. Charged with advancing EDI initiatives as part of the University mission, the Vice President of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (VPEDI) must navigate campus organizational and cultural barriers in order to effect…