This study delved into the unique challenges and experiences of female student servicemembers/veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from miliary sexual trauma in higher education settings. The purpose was to explore the emotional, societal, and academic successes and barriers. Research questions focused on identifying…

This study explored how Black women described their experience pursuing a PhD for professional and personal growth. It aimed to provide a valuable resource for Black women considering or currently undertaking doctoral education by offering insights into the experiences of their peers. Furthermore, the research sought to inform decision-making…

The Center for First Generation College Student Success (2020) defined first generation college students (FGCS) as, "an undergraduate student whose parents do not have a bachelor's or higher degree." FGCS have to navigate many aspects of college without parent(s) who have experienced college themselves. After applying and being accepted…

We live in a fast-paced world with daily stimulation like family problems, social media influences, technology, and personal belongings, just to name a few. The kinds of information easily available due to technological advances create endless distractions and require accelerated focused attention. Due to a lack of investment in learning how to…

This dissertation explores the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the socio-academic success of graduate students enrolled in exclusively online degree programs. The research aims to understand how a sense of belonging, fostered through interactions with peers, faculty, and the university community, contributes to socio-academic success.…

The purpose of this project was to explore the connections between authentic leadership and the international student experience in the American university. Specifically, this study examined what types of leadership styles are currently employed by international programs' staff at three Arkansas universities and how these influence the students'…

Individuals with a growth mindset believe they have the ability to learn (Dweck, 2006). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the shared lived experiences connected to growth mindset, self-efficacy, and grit in a population of undergraduate students at a private women's university in the Midwest who participate…

Available research discusses the first-generation undergraduate experience, graduate students' sense of belonging, and first-generation graduate students, but little research shows the themes that impact a first-generation graduate student's sense of belonging. Understanding the first-generation graduate students' experience as a marginalized…

The continuous influx of international students to the United States brings a diverse set of needs that colleges and universities should continuously attempt to satisfy with appropriate services and instructional practices. Issues affecting globally mobile students need to be addressed for institutions to attract and retain talented and…

Through a phenomenological approach, this study aims to identify the developmental experiences of transfer students as they moved in, through, and out of a university. The research techniques used in this study include focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Findings are derived from the narratives and experiences of seven transfer students…

Black individuals have been disproportionately involved in the criminal justice system in the United States ("Federal Bureau of Prisons," 2022). Because of their criminal justice involvement, Black individuals are perceived as "second-class citizens" making their quest for "freedom" an endless journey impacted by…

Throughout the relatively short history of American social studies education, its purposes have shifted in response to social and educational changes. The contest for the American social studies curriculum has continued since its inception, influenced by various stakeholders and educational theorists. Given widespread socio-political turbulence,…

The gender gap in American undergraduate students' participation in study-abroad programs is a persistent phenomenon. According to the Institute of International Education (2022a), male students have represented between 32.7% and 36.5% of all American students abroad between the 2007-2008 and 2018-2019 academic years. Research similarly shows that…

The transition to college is a transformative time in a student's life. The first year of college is especially critical as the transition from secondary education to college can determine whether a student succeeds or fails in in college (Gale & Parker, 2014; Taylor & Harris-Evans, 2018). Students with depression enter their first year of…

Low-wage compensation for employees has far-reaching adverse implications in the work environment. This qualitative exploratory case study explored the influence of low wage compensation on employee motivation in a higher learning institution in the state of Mississippi. The problem addressed was the impact of low wages on employee motivation in…