This qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis study explored the lived experiences of seven peer recovery specialists as they described their experiences with the Virginia Peer Recovery Certification Process and/or obtaining leadership roles. This research was viewed through a disability lens, along with modified labeling theory,…

African American women are underrepresented in the attainment of superintendent roles from a racial and gendered standpoint. African American females hold only 1% of superintendent positions in a field in which 27% of superintendents are women and 8.6% of superintendents are African American. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to…

This qualitative case study aims to better understand the mindset development of mid-career building principals regarding stress. Research shows that the job of the building principal has changed dramatically over the last two decades, and this change has required building principals to adjust their practices and priorities to more than just…

This study examined the impact of an informal co-mentoring network on the female mid-level leaders in independent schools. The sample was composed of mid-level female administrators in National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) accredited independent schools. An increased…

Institutions of higher learning generally seek to provide students with experiential learning, professional development, and tools for contributing to a diverse global society. However, many students are not able to connect their learning to their career interest. As a result, graduates do not feel confident that they have acquired the job…

The creation and implementation of holistic educational experiences is invaluable for optimal student and staff development and retention in an institution of higher education. This dissertation involves a participatory action research on one such mechanism: mentorship. This study on mentorship leverages Tinto's (1975-2014) theoretical frameworks…

As studies highlight the career transition struggles of collegiate student-athletes (Hansen et al., 2019; Payne & Driska, 2020; Woods, 2017), researchers have called for more investigation into the influence of various environmental factors on student-athlete outcomes (Navarro & Malvaso, 2015; Navarro et al., 2019). Collegiate…

This study examined the relationship between life satisfaction and perception of educational and career-related barriers. Perceived barriers threaten career development and can subsequently enhance negative appraisals of personal worth and ability. Coping efficacy, an individual's belief or confidence in their ability to manage and overcome…

The purpose of this qualitative feminist phenomenological study was to explore women's perceptions of professional advancement to the president role within higher-education administration due to the lack of progress of diversifying college presidencies. To examine challenges that women face as they navigate the career advancing pipeline, it…

The impact of higher education in policing has been the subject of debate and research for over a century. Several commissions have resulted in the enactment of legislation and implementation of programs to support higher education in police organizations worldwide. The purpose of this study was to understand how police officers in Jamaica valued…

High school counselors support students across three areas or domains: academic, socioemotional, and college and career development. Growing confusion and tensions around the time and responsibilities of school counselors have accompanied ever-evolving changes with their roles and coincided with continual efforts to address the K-12 and potential…

High school counselors support students across three areas or domains: academic, socio-emotional, and college and career development. Growing confusion and tensions around the time and responsibilities of school counselors have accompanied ever-evolving changes with their roles and coincided with continual efforts to address the K-12 and potential…

The primary purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of academics of color (AOCs) in New England's predominantly White institutions (NE PWI). For the purpose of clarity, the abbreviation AOCs refers to faculty from one of the four ethnic minority groups: Asian American, Latino, Haitians American,…

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) educate more Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students than predominantly White Serving Institutions, yet their leadership lacks representation, especially of Black women leaders. This study explores the experiences of Black women leaders at HSIs. Moving beyond a deficit model, exploring how these leaders leverage…

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of senior level RAEMW administrators who work at 4-year PWIs in the U.S. and analyze the impact of institutional environments on their success. The theories that guided this study were: Crenshaw's (1994; 1989; 2015) intersectionality framework and four tenets of CRT which include…