This study seeks to understand the big-data analytics readiness of four-year public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in North Carolina. The higher education landscape has been experiencing unprecedented challenges including declines in enrollment, graduation rates, and student retention rates. Coupled with cuts in funding at the…

Retention of students at a college or university is one of the highest priorities for an institution of higher education. This action research study specifically investigates improving retention of high-achieving, Generation-Z students at a private, liberal arts institution in North Carolina. Participants in the Cycle 1 data collection series were…

Since the 1800s African-American women have been involved in educational processes in meaningful ways despite challenges to their efforts and advancements. African-American women have made significant strides in breaking the glass ceiling within higher education. This qualitative research study explores and compares the perceptions of challenges…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how faculty, administrators, and staff perceived the climate for shared governance at 36 member institutions of the Appalachian College Association (ACA), based on standards for sound shared governance in higher education as outlined by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). Numerous…

The purpose of this single, intrinsic, evaluative case study was to examine the problem of nontraditional transfer student completion at a private, religious-based, doctoral degree-granting, moderate research university in North Carolina. The following research questions guided the study: (a) How do institutional policies, procedures, and…

North Carolina is a state with a rich higher education history, which matches the diversity and number of higher education institutions that can be found there. The significant investment of both tax dollars and public support for higher education in North Carolina has created a unique environment in which public policy significantly impacts both…

The study explores the potential relationship between personality and perceptions of serendipitous influence on academic and career decision-making. The study was conducted with 107 participants who were enrolled full-time at a rural, church affiliated private college in eastern North Carolina. The participants represented an accurate…

This qualitative action research study investigates the common barriers encountered by successful undergraduate ethnic minority students enrolled in majors that serve as a pipeline for professional health sciences. Through specialized focus group interviews and individual interviews, this study explores the perceived barriers to student success…

The purpose of this study was to compare postsecondary institutions in North Carolina including state universities, private colleges and universities, and community colleges in regard to the number of students with disabilities, assistive technology availability, funding ratios for assistive technology, frequency of professional development…