This study delved into the unique challenges and experiences of female student servicemembers/veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from miliary sexual trauma in higher education settings. The purpose was to explore the emotional, societal, and academic successes and barriers. Research questions focused on identifying…

The purpose of this project was to explore the connections between authentic leadership and the international student experience in the American university. Specifically, this study examined what types of leadership styles are currently employed by international programs' staff at three Arkansas universities and how these influence the students'…

Black individuals have been disproportionately involved in the criminal justice system in the United States ("Federal Bureau of Prisons," 2022). Because of their criminal justice involvement, Black individuals are perceived as "second-class citizens" making their quest for "freedom" an endless journey impacted by…

Students arrive at an institution of higher learning in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, however those who graduate leave the school with much more than a diploma. Research suggests that the challenges of college life, as well as the support provided by educators, provides countless opportunities for students to develop cognitive maturity,…

Despite the growing recognition on the importance of mental health and wellbeing, college students' mental health and wellbeing continue to decline. Given this information, research is needed to explore potential predictors of college student stress. Utilizing a theoretical model of Self-Actualization Wellness and the Person-Environment Fit…

Why are the needs of Division I intercollegiate student athletes important in relation to their overall growth? Answering this question requires a consideration of the way in which student athlete needs continuously evolve and how the quality of leadership from the head coach plays a significant role in orchestrating a team environment that…

Undocumented students face challenges when they make the decision to pursue higher education because their immigration status disqualifies them from receiving certain types of financial aid. As a result, undocumented students often struggle with the cost of higher education tuition. Most of research on the experiences of undocumented students…

This dissertation explores and connects the concepts of self-creation and self-care as a means to better address the evolving needs of students seeking to actualize themselves in and beyond higher education. These needs include helping students manage change, and other issues such as stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health…

The literature has shown that student veterans arrive in college with unique characteristics and also face unique challenges (Black et al., 2007; Bonar & Domenici, 2011; Church, 2009; DiRamio & Jarvis, 2011). There is also some evidence that student veterans develop complex ways of making meaning at younger ages than students in the…

The majority of language learning in post-secondary higher education is compulsory. Many students in compulsory L2 courses demonstrate lower than average levels of achievement and persistence. Because L2 learning is an important component of a post-secondary education in modern society, improving the motivation to learn languages can improve both…

College access programs like Upward Bound have been found to build social capital among a target population, stimulate academic preparedness, and increase a student's knowledge of the college decision process. However, little research is available that establishes the points during the college decision process at which college access programs have…

This study provides a quantitative approach to analyzing college students' levels of self-actualization. Specifically, it addresses the distinction between students from non-rural and rural hometowns relative to their level of self-actualization. Students from five public state schools, in one Midwestern state, were surveyed. Self-actualization…