This study examined how African American male community college presidents made meaning of their transformative leadership experiences. A semi-structured interviewing technique was utilized to collect data from seven African American male community college presidents. All interviews were transcribed using an Interpretative Phenomenological…

In an era of governmentally controlled education systems sustained through performance-based funding metrics, the value of higher education is often considered justified by socioeconomic impact and degree employability. Although modern academia traces its roots to the humanities and liberal arts for its foundation, degrees without direct job…

This qualitative study sought to understand the lived experiences of the participants to identify factors that contributed to their decision of becoming a secondary STEM educator. Participants were identified through criterion sampling, which ensured that the participants were (1) female, (2) Hispanic, and (3) and teach mathematics, science, or…

This dissertation researches the barriers encountered and resiliency learned for Black administrators on their path to becoming superintendents in California. Using critical race theory as the lens of the conceptual framework, this research used a qualitative method. The research questions inquired about how the barriers of mentorship, career…

This narrative inquiry explored the experiences of Latinas in early career counselor education and supervision positions. Four participants who graduated from CACREP counselor education and supervision programs in their first 5 years in the field as emerging professionals participated in interviews and discussed their experiences. Following the…

Latinas are underrepresented in top level leadership positions in higher education, comprising a small fraction of the 5% of women of color who serve as college and university presidents. Recent data revealed that the number of Latinas in senior-level leadership positions decreased, signaling a concerning downward trend. While much research has…

The purpose of this study is to understand how women describe their journey to becoming senior leaders within the operations sector of the Paper Manufacturing Industry. This study will provide insights about how women in the male-dominated Paper Manufacturing Industry (PMI) assumed leadership positions. This pre-registered study will offer the…

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how novice female principals experienced preparedness upon completing an aspiring leaders program through a regional leadership development organization. This study provided voice to female principals and highlighted their lived experiences. Purposive sampling was utilized to identify nine…

Using testimonios, this study shares experiences of how structural inequalities impact self-care, wellness, mentoring, and career-related mobility of womxn of color in mid-senior-level student affairs roles at PWI's. Testimonios revealed three themes: how they engaged in self-care and wellness, challenges with self-care and wellness, and dreams of…

The purpose of this causal comparative study was to understand the differences in users and non-users of career services departments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Surveys were used to collect quantitative data for users and non-users and interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. There were 94 participants in this…

In this transcendental phenomenological study, the researcher highlights the lived experiences of Black women in rehabilitation counselor education. The purpose of this study was to provide detailed descriptions of the lived experiences impacting the career development of Black women in rehabilitation counseling education, to provide a more…

The mission of high school career and technical education (CTE) programs is to prepare high school graduates for a career. This study provides insight into the educational practices that support students with the skills necessary for workplace success, as not all CTE program graduates are prepared for the workplace with industry-ready skills. The…

Career centers in higher education must create environments that serve the needs of students and alumni. Alumni not only are a served population, but also are beneficial to student career development, and serve dual purposes as clients and volunteers. One program frequently offered by career centers that engages alumni volunteers is an alumni mock…

Despite persistent calls for institutions to offer internal leadership development programs for administrators, colleges and universities struggle to prepare mid-level administrators for professional advancement. Colleges and universities also face problems with employee retention. The experiences of those who occupy the organizational middle are…

Most undergraduate students enroll in college with the aim of securing a professional career after graduation; however, not all students achieve this goal. Prior research has explored whether career outcomes differ between students of varying academic and demographic backgrounds, but few studies have examined whether first-generation status is…