Set in 2023, this study was deployed at the lowest point of enrollment in the California Community College (CCC) system since 2008, which was the highest point of enrollment in the system's history. The purpose of this qualitative, grounded theory study was twofold: (a) to understand the phenomenon of California community colleges (CCCs)…

Parts of California, and the nation, are in the midst of a teacher shortage that adversely affects communities, schools, families, and students, and especially Students and Families of Color (California Department of Education [CDE], 2022b; Carver-Thomas & Darling-Hammond, 2017a, 2017b; Carver-Thomas et al., 2021; Commission on Teacher…

This study delved into the recruitment and retention challenges faced by Black male K-12 teachers in California's Central Valley, shedding light on their perceived impact on students. The underrepresentation of Black male teachers, comprising only 2% of the national teacher workforce and less than 1% in California, underscores the urgency of…

News headlines across the country continue to include policy updates, new strategies, and other information relating to the continuing teacher shortage in the United States. School-based agricultural education is not immune to the teacher shortage. Agriculture teacher shortages have been documented for more than a century. Extensive research has…

This dissertation examines how first-generation high school Students of Color from California's San Joaquin Valley navigate digital marketing and advertising during their college search and application processes, offering a timely contribution to the study of college admissions in a post-affirmative action landscape. Higher education institutions…

School districts across the country are experiencing high rates of attrition which are causing significant challenges. A growing list of demands and responsibilities, along with the lack of administrator support is often cited as the primary reason of departure by early career educators. This qualitative study researched the expectations of high…

California Bay Area school districts are experiencing a teacher shortage that threatens to further widen the opportunity gap for schools with the neediest student populations. Financial incentives, administrator support levels, appropriate and consistent professional development, and mentoring are often cited as areas that cause teachers to leave…

In response to a national agenda to increase diversity in the teaching workforce, this qualitative multiple case study critically examined the recruitment and admission of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to teacher education programs (TEP) in three Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in California. Specifically, this research…

Purpose: This study addressed issues of chief diversity officers who often face diversity challenges when attracting, recruiting, and retaining, faculty of color in community colleges in California. Perceptions and meaning-making of chief diversity officers were explored as they encountered racism and shaped the discourse on race embedded in the…

This study aimed to increase enrollment in accounting degree programs at Azusa Pacific University's Leung School of Accounting (LSA). Forty-four undergraduate students, four graduate students, and five faculty members participated in surveys and Zoom discussions to provide insight into two potential initiatives intended to increase accounting…

This study showcases stories of minority students participating in the Geopaths research program at California State University, Bakersfield. The study examined faculty mentorship and research activity variables to understand their influence on STEM recruitment and retention. Using a narrative analysis approach, the researcher documented the…

This study explores why African American first-year students admitted to the University of California Davis decline their offer of admissions. The objective is to help the University successfully achieve their goal of supporting greater diversity and representation of students from historically underrepresented minority communities and…

This study utilized a qualitative approach to focus on three essential elements: how superintendents are prepared to serve in their role as school district leaders, how they are recruited, and what support is available to help them succeed and remain in their position. The study explored these essential elements from the perspective of currently…

The purpose of this study was to conduct a critical discourse analysis of media produced by higher education institutions. The study aimed to uncover how universities manifest diversity, social justice, and neoliberal discourses in their marketing efforts. Diversity discourses differentiate from social justice discourses in that they do not…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the preparation, recruitment, and retention of California school superintendents of schools. The efforts of this study focused on obtaining information and insight from current superintendents, school board members, and executive search firm consultants in order to obtain precise insight into…