This exploratory study aimed to understand the experience of mothers in higher education both during the COVID-19 pandemic and toward the end of restrictions. The population included academic mothers with children at home during the pandemic. Data was analyzed thematically by a team of researchers. The results generated six themes: (a) life…

A narrative inquiry study explored six graduate students' experiences of "imposter syndrome" during their graduate studies. Semi-structured interviews occurred with each participant at two time points: one initial interview and a follow-up interview to discuss the impact of the initial interview and to perform member checking. Each…

The present study evaluated the experience of burnout among mothers who attended a psychology graduate school program. Eight individuals who identified as mothers participated in the qualitative study. Participants were asked questions that targeted the experience of burnout in a semi-structured interview. The Reissman narrative model, which also…

Microaggressions have been studied in higher-education institutions, professional work environments, and ordinary life. However, most research studies on microaggressions in higher education focus on the experiences of college students at four-year institutions, exposing a gap in the literature on microaggressions in two-year community colleges.…

In recent decades, higher education has undergone a profound transformation with the increased enrollment of non-traditional students, representing a diverse cohort pursuing education later in life. The purpose of this comprehensive qualitative meta-analysis of existing literature is to meticulously examine the multifaceted challenges and barriers…

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of Belizean junior college students who are on or have experienced academic probation at junior colleges in Belize. A qualitative narrative inquiry research design was implemented to carry out this study. To understand the experiences of students who are or have overcome academic…

This study focuses on analyzing how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can better prepare students for employability and graduate school following graduation. The perceptions of HBCU alumni was used to assess what role attending an HBCU played in their success and employability preparation. This data collected from this study…

In this study, I explored the experiences of Black counseling students who studied abroad within the last 7 years. Although research has been conducted regarding the experience of undergraduate students who identify as Black, these voices have not been studied or researched in the field of counseling. This study is important because more students…

This quantitative research study examined the experiences of multiracial college students regarding racial identity and perceptions of discrimination against multiracial people, as well as college belonging, compared to their monoracial peers. Multiracial individuals can encounter microaggressions and racism as a result of not fitting into…

Recent alumni participated in this qualitative study to determine factors that influence alumni engagement. Each participant completed a pre-interview survey to determine their student involvement scores, which were grouped into three groups -- high, medium, and low engagement. I created interview questions and a protocol. Following the completion…

This dissertation explores how college students define success in their educational journeys and what experiences shape these definitions. While existing literature often presents institutional or educator-driven definitions of success, this study aims to capture student perspectives directly, using narrative inquiry to highlight the voices of…

The power of being a first-generation college student was a life-changing experience. The barriers that existed for first-generation students were often fearsome. However, being a first-generation student was also a time of excitement because first-generation students had unique viewpoints, and it was a significant time of self-development. Higher…

Despite the growing population of Latina/o students in the United States, those who are entering college are not graduating at the same rate as their white counterparts. The six-year Hispanic student graduation rate was 8% lower than that of white students (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). The Latina/o educational attainment gap still exists and…

White fragility has created a number of problems and challenges for Black students regarding authenticity and equality in the classroom. Racial discrimination in education and its disparities have come full circle mirroring history with the continued fight for an equitable education as a Black student. Black students continue to be mistreated and…

Diversity has become an important characteristic of higher education; however, in many higher education institutions, the admission, enrollment, and support of a diverse student population remain a challenge, especially concerning the admission, retention, and graduation of Black males (Lee & Keys, 2013; Lynch, 2014; Nelms, 2010; Palmer et…