This qualitative dissertation explored the research question: "How do presidents at small private universities collaborate with local government and industry leaders in their host communities to enhance economic development?" The data were collected from three presidents that had been a university president at a qualifying institution…

Research has indicated that undergraduate students struggle with conceptual understanding of confidence intervals, negatively impacting statistical literacy skills, and advocates have suggested the flipped classroom pedagogy as a potential solution. The purpose of this nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental study was to determine if a…

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were 3,982 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States in the 2019-2020 school year. Of these, 1,625 were public institutions and another 1,660 were private, nonprofit institutions (four-year and two-year schools). The private, nonprofit sector plays an…

Historically, college and university professors have been known as experts in their respective disciplines but lack training in pedagogy or andragogy. This problem can be particularly impactful at very small colleges where resources for faculty professional development are scarce. Faculty development which creates learning communities encourages…

Two qualitative studies, 2015 and 2020, on seniors' satisfaction with faculty interactions provided the background for this 2023 qualitative study. This present study explored the characteristics and development of the faculty, staff, and student interactions that influenced college student satisfaction. Even though quantitative research showed…

The decision of whether and where to attend higher education is an inherently geographical decision. Amongst the structural inequalities that determine how decisions about higher education are made are a number of complex socio-spatial factors ranging from proximity of higher education institution to place of residence and availability of…

Students are transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions in increasing numbers, yet transfers are persisting and graduating from four-year institutions at lower levels than students who had begun at the institution. Research suggests that transfer students feel less connected to a four-year institution, and fostering transfer…

The student teacher (ST) and cooperating teacher (CT) relationship is a key element in a productive practicum experience. A strained relationship inhibits learning, creates stress, and can lead to discontinuing the placement. The purpose of this action research study is to understand the conflicts that occur in the ST and CT relationship during…

The problem undertaken in this study was the impact of the COVID-19 on academic-library directors at small, private, liberal-arts institutions in Wisconsin. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic closures on collection development and reference interviews. The participants were seven academic-library…

Nontraditional scholars with online Ph.D. (NSOP) credentials may encounter skepticism about their credentials, which can be problematic if they opted for the flexibility and accessibility of online graduate education. Faculty members question NSOP motivations, program rigor, and institutional reputation. This study investigates the influence of…

Sense of belonging as experienced by college students has contributed to high rates of co-curricular engagement and lifelong connections to an institution long beyond one's years as an undergraduate student. Undergraduate Students of Color and other historically minoritized student populations have reported barriers to their sense of belonging.…

This study investigates undergraduate student satisfaction at a small private university in Japan, focusing on factors like social environment, instructors, facilities, support, academic grit, and student engagement. Given Japan's demographic challenges and the heightened competition in higher education, understanding these factors is crucial for…

Community-based research (CBR) as a form of community-engaged learning (CEL) offers students valuable sociological practice and learning experiences. Although CEL strategies are well documented for enhancing students' sociological imagination, gaps persist in the literature regarding the impact on community partners. This article addresses the…

The research on African American male students in higher education has increased over the past few decades, revolving around preparation, access, sense of belonging, retention, and persistence. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the perceived experiences of current students, graduates, and Divine Nine Greek Life…

Women now comprise the majority of the higher education workforce; yet they still experience workplace aggression at alarming rates. The purpose of this action research study was to investigate workplace aggression among women colleagues at a small, rural community college. The study also sought to create a more supportive work environment for…