Research has shown the importance of diversity representation in education both in PK12 and in higher education, but disability and neurodiversity have often been left out of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) conversations in higher education. Disabled and neurodivergent faculty members in higher education face barriers and stigma, and…

The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of Muslim professionals in U.S. workplaces with varying levels of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The research, conducted through a basic qualitative approach with twenty participants, delved into the personal and professional narratives of these…

Formalized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been implemented at predominantly white institutions over the last 50 years to address student demands for equitable campus environments, changing student demographics, and to comply with federal law. This narrative inquiry explored how DEI staff in cultural centers storied their…

This phenomenological case study investigates the lived experiences of minority students attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) in the Southern United States, addressing the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and recent legislative changes, particularly divisive concepts laws, on their sense of belonging and…

This phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of nonprofit employees who, in their formal roles, actively promoted racial equity within their organizations. The research investigates the origins of their commitment, the multifaceted challenges they face, and the transformative potential embedded in their efforts. Employing a…

This study explored the challenges and barriers of women of color participation in administrative roles of higher education. Women of color tend to hold positions that are marginal in higher education organizations, lacking authority and influence while placing them in positions to not be influential in change or decision making. However, it is…

Data is everywhere, but not always accessible to everyone. Conventional data visualization tools and guidelines often assume a standard user, neglecting the neurodivergent needs of individuals with cognitive disabilities. These disabilities can create significant obstacles in data-driven reasoning, including difficulties in processing complex…

Academic advising can teach students how to engage with post-secondary curricula and connect curricular engagement to career exploration and lifelong learning. However, academic advising is both a one-on-one activity and a systemic enterprise, and institutions should thoroughly communicate the benefits and functions of advising on official…

Science and society are inseparably linked, shaping each other in ways that define our world, emphasizing the need to teach science for empowering students capable of taking meaningful action toward building a sustainable and just society. Developing sustainability competencies in students is an important step toward this goal, with controversial…

As state educational standards increasingly emphasize cultural awareness, this study explores how White elementary school teachers in predominantly White schools can be better supported to meet these expectations and enhance their self-efficacy and cultural competence. This study was conducted at a small rural elementary school on the coast of…

This qualitative dissertation explored the challenges faced by African American students in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Hospitality Program at a Historically Black Community College (HBCC) in Alabama. Framed by Social-Identity Theory, Critical Race Theory, and the Inclusive Excellence Framework, the study addressed the…

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the factors that contribute to the success of students enrolled in an online summer remedial mathematics course at a large selective research university in the Northeast. As members of the university's African American, Latino/a, Asian, and Native American (AALANA) student population, these…