Updated: 1/27/2026
For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Counselor Education and Supervision
January 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of these two experimental studies was to evaluate the My Career Story (MCS; Savickas & Hartung, 2012) workbook as a narrative career intervention supporting self-authorship and reflection among college students in emerging adulthood. Read more...
For the degree of Doctor of Education, Interprofessional Leadership
January 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to understand the effects of mentoring on Black college students’ perception of sense of belonging and what is necessary to create an inclusive environment. Identity development theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs were used as conceptual frameworks to understand Black students’ identity on how institutions can address the ongoing enrollment cliff, access to higher education, and retention by utilizing mentoring initiatives at a predominantly white institution. Read more...
For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy
February 6, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the reading preferences and experiences of upper elementary boys. Academic literature and mainstream media often frame boys and reading through a deficit lens rooted in gendered essentialism and stereotypes. This study sought to counter these narratives through an anti-essentialist framework, expanding dominant definitions of both literacy and masculinity. Read more...
For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Research, Measurement and Statistics
February 20, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.
The societal role of higher education is coming under increased scrutiny. Ever-increasing tuition rates, reports of falling return-on-investment, and accusations of brainwashing seem to be perpetual news stories despite full-throated refutations of these claims. Research involving college students tends to be focused on university climate studies. While other reporting pulls from large swathes of the electorate. This study seeks to design a psychometric measure for assessing college students’ attitudes towards their college experience. Read more...