Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Stephen L. Benton / This study examined relationships between faculty perceptions of their academic department chair’s overall effectiveness and their ratings of his/her personal characteristics and administrative methods. The experimenter analyzed secondary data obtained from the Individual Development and Educational Assessment (IDEA) Center’s Feedback for Department Chairs system. Data came from 604 department chairs and their corresponding 9,125 faculty members across the years 2003 to 2007. Faculty completed the 70-item Faculty Perceptions of Department Head/Chair Survey, and their department chair responded to the 30-item Department Head/Chair Information Form. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of department chair ratings revealed three underlying dimensions of administrative responsibilities, ranked in order of importance: Departmental Operations, Faculty Enhancement, and Research and Assessment. EFAs of faculty ratings determined one factor explained the department chair’s personal characteristics—Flexibility/Adaptability—and one factor explained the department chair’s performance of administrative methods—Communication and Coordination. Items with high component matrix coefficients were summed to produce scales with high reliability for each factor. Multiple regression analysis indicated that faculty ratings of the department chair’s Flexibility/Adaptability and Communication and Coordination explained 83% of the variance in their ratings of the department chair’s overall effectiveness (p < .001). Ratings on Communication and Coordination explained the most variance. Faculty ratings of the department chair’s performance of administrative responsibilities also explained 83% of the variance in their ratings of the chair’s overall effectiveness (p < .001). Faculty Enhancement showed the strongest relationship. The findings help to explain the underlying dimensions of the academic department chair’s effectiveness and the role of faculty ratings in evaluation.

Master of Science / Special Education, Counseling, and Student Affairs / Christy D. Moran / With increased attention related to internationalization and intercultural learning within higher education, increasing numbers of college students are participating in international cross-cultural activities. Participants in short-term international Christian mission experiences are increasing dramatically. These students frequently participate in such activities during the course of their college career and subsequently experience reentry issues during their readjustment back into college life. This report reviews literature and student comments related to the reentry experiences of the growing college population of short-term international Christian mission participants. What follows is a review of various explanations of the reentry phenomenon related to socio-psychological, expectation, systems, identity formation, and grief theories. College adjustment and support literature, as it relates to student retention, is explored along with reentry services and practices associated with student affairs, international program offices, and collegiate Christian campus ministries or colleges. Student affairs professionals have a strategic role to play by intervening with students returning from short-term international experiences. By providing personal and programmatic support for students readjusting to American culture, we have the opportunity to assist students integrate what they have learned from their global experience into the development of individual identities, values, and behaviors. There are substantive educational, spiritual, social, and psychological reasons given from the literature to justify a level of intervention, unique and appropriate for each individual institution, from student life professionals directed towards supporting college students as they return from short-term international Christian mission experiences. This review highlights the need for more extensive in depth studies seeking to understand the relationship between interpersonal and programmatic support and the learning process of college students as they go through the reentry experience.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Special Education / Kenneth F. Hughey / This study investigated the impact of a seven-session career intervention in a First Year Experience course on the dysfunctional career thoughts, locus of control, and career decision self-efficacy of underprepared college students. The career intervention was based on the cognitive information processing approach to career decision making (Peterson, Sampson, & Reardon, 1991; Peterson, Sampson, Reardon, & Lenz, 1996; Reardon, Lenz, Sampson, & Peterson, 2000; Sampson, Reardon, Peterson, & Lenz, 2004) and utilized the CTI workbook (Sampson, Peterson, Lenz, Reardon, & Saunders, 1996b). Participants in the study were full-time freshmen enrolled in remedial academic courses at a small, open-enrollment institution. The study was a Nonequivalent Control Group design with delayed posttest. Ten hypotheses were identified and tested. The Career Thoughts Inventory, the Rotter IE Scale, and the Career Decision Self-Efficacy-Short Form were administered at pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest. ANCOVA was used to analyze differences between the mean scores by group for each of the dependent variables. In addition, dependent t-tests were used to examine the differences between the mean scores within group for each of the dependent variables. Results of this study indicated that underprepared students who participated in the career intervention significantly improved dysfunctional career thoughts on all variables from pretest to posttest. Further, improvement in dysfunctional career thoughts was maintained four weeks after the intervention. Significant differences were also found at posttest between the treatment and control groups for CTI Total and Decision-Making Confusion. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between dysfunctional career thinking and locus of control, indicating the participants with higher levels of dysfunctional career thoughts also had a more external locus of control. Locus of control was not significantly different from pretest to posttest in the treatment group; however, locus of control did become more internal following the intervention. At delayed posttest, locus of control of the treatment group was not significantly different from Rotter’s (1966) normative sample while the control group continued to be significantly more external than the normative sample. While career decision self-efficacy was not significantly different from pretest to posttest, students’ scores indicated confidence in their ability to perform career tasks.

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Rosemary S. Talab / The purpose of this study was to assess the professional development needs of academic instruction librarians required to improve information literacy instructional effectiveness in higher education institutions within the state of Kansas. The population in this correlational study was the 84 academic librarians with instruction duties at Kansas two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. The majority of the population included administrators, staff, and specialized librarians. Most of the participants held a faculty rank, were between the ages of 41 and 55, and had served as academic librarians for less than fifteen years. Data was collected through twelve closed-ended and twelve open-ended questions on an electronic survey. The data was used to answer the primary research question of this study: “What professional development opportunities are needed in order to improve information literacy instructional effectiveness?” Three sub-questions were included in order to identify professional development needs on the various means by which information literacy is delivered, the content areas addressed during information literacy instructional sessions, and the assessment practices employed to determine the effectiveness of information literacy instruction. Data analyses for the quantitative measures of the study were conducted through the use of frequency distributions (in order to identify professional development needs of the total population) and chi-square tests (in order to identify professional development needs of the individual sub-populations). Due to the low number of answers to open-ended questions, responses to these questions were analyzed for codes and developed into categories. Analyses of the data indicated that the sub-populations shared a preference for library instruction delivered via face-to-face means; all institutions represented in this study offered considerably more instruction than what was required by their parent institution; Kansas academic instruction librarians addressed a wide variety of services, resources, search techniques, and information literacy skills during information literacy instructional sessions; and Kansas academic instruction librarians were cognizant of ensuring instruction practices were designed to include content that met the guiding information literacy standards as defined by the American Library Association. The study found Kansas academic librarians with instruction as a function of their job duties would benefit from professional development opportunities designed to develop proficiency in teaching skills, instructional design skills, assessment and evaluation skills, information literacy integration skills, and presentation skills.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology / Kenneth F. Hughey / Kay A. Taylor / This qualitative multiple case study explored the campus climate and sense of belonging of Latino/a undergraduate student participants at a predominately White university. Guided by the work of Hurtado and Carter (1997), relationships among several aspects of the college environment and sense of belonging were examined. In depth interviews regarding participants’ perceptions of their experience identified how they perceived their campus climate in and outside of the academic classroom. The findings revealed how the participants’ perceptions influenced their desire to graduate, commitment to, and sense of belonging. Prominent themes that emerged were: student identity, mi casa es su casa, and class size matters. The results indicated that the participants had mixed feelings regarding their experiences in and out of class, which affected their perceptions of the campus climate and their commitment to the university. Additional prominent findings were: mostly positive academic advising experiences; student organizations and advisors are an important part of the campus climate; the importance of familial support in the participants’ sense of belonging; and the relationships between mothers and their sons/daughters. Participants identified offices and programs on campus that provide a positive campus climate, sense of belonging, and best serve Latino/a undergraduate students. The participants’ perceptions of the campus climate were related to their sense of belonging. The results contribute to the research addressing campus climate and sense of belonging for Latino/a undergraduate students overall, including strategies for their retention. Implications for practice and future research are identified.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / Candyce S. Russell / Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) over the past twenty years have increased their visibility by using their clinical skills and a systemic framework in other areas outside of therapy (i.e., business, school, medicine). Many of these individuals have pioneered roads of systems theory application through a creative process. Traditional creativity research has focused mainly on individual factors. However, Csikszentmihalyi’s theories of flow and creativity have offered important insight on the systemic nature of the creative process. Recently, research regarding intrinsic motivation and group creativity has provided more insight on how Csikszentmihalyi’s theory could be further developed. Furthermore, applying an ecological systems theory framework to his current model provides additional levels of influence to be examined in regards to maximizing creative potential in individuals and groups. Using deductive and inductive methodologies, an ecological systems theory of creativity is presented providing a framework for studying how MFTs that have successfully entered into non-traditional realms of systemic application go through the creative process of entering into their endeavors. Interviews with successful MFTs applying skills in non-traditional areas of applications were conducted using a modified phenomenological approach. Creative processes were outlined based on themes and patterns that emerged during the analysis. Implications of these findings are made regarding how to improve creativity in MFTs at the individual, academic, and professional field levels. In addition, implications are made regarding how to improve student recruitment and maximize potential in MFT trainees. Finally, implications regarding the maximization of productivity in university settings and applying systemic creativity to business, school, government, and education settings are presented.

Master of Science / Department of Educational Leadership / Christy D. Moran / This report highlights the results of a revised diversity survey that was designed to assess the behaviors and attitudes of students who live in the residence halls at Kansas State University (K-State) regarding their interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. Diverse backgrounds, for the purpose of this study, are specifically related to a racial background different than their own. A survey of 25 questions was distributed to every residence hall student via email. The survey that was distributed was adapted from a version that was used previously by the Department of Housing & Dining Services at K-State. The original survey was based on the Michael P. Tilford competencies that were compiled in 2000-2001 by K-State's Tilford Group. The Tilford competencies are all based on students' multicultural competency. Multicultural competency is defined by the K-State Tilford group as the knowledge, skills and personal attributes needed to live and to work in a diverse world. (K-State Tilford Group, 2007) The revised survey focuses heavily on the skills portion of the Michael P. Tilford competencies and is based on students' self-report.

Doctor of Education / Department of Educational Leadership / Trudy A. Salsberry / This dissertation examines an understudied group according the American Council on Education: the tenure-track early career faculty (ECF). The focus is on the culturalization, socialization, academic culture, and emergent themes discerned from ten semi-structured interviews with tenure-track ECF. This qualitative bounded system case study was conducted in the context of a Midwestern Carnegie I Research Land-Grant Institution, an institution with emphasis on teaching, research, and service. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed. From these, codes, categories, patterns, and themes were found. Additional documentation was also considered such as participants’ resumes and the faculty handbook, COE: Orientation to COE A Guide for Faculty 2008-2009. The themes included a reliance on socialization from the parent degree granting institution, and an overall request for balance between professional and personal life. In addition the ECFs need mentoring at their new institution in research, writing and publication, in professional identity, and socialization to tacit knowledge via cognitive apprenticeship. A recommendation is that there be a bi-directional conversation on socialization, rather than a top down approach.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Educational Leadership / Charles R. Oaklief / This ex post facto research was conducted using parametric and non-parametric analysis to determine if the mass retirement of community college presidents between 2001 and 2007 had precipitated a diminution in educational qualifications, a reduction in pre-presidential community college experience, or a change in presidential career paths of first time community college presidents by era (before and after 2001). Seven hundred eighty-five currently serving presidents of comprehensive community colleges were surveyed. The overall return rate of the survey was 53.25%: the useable return rate was 49.30%. Parametric (independent samples t-test) and non-parametric (Mann-Whitney and chi square) tests were used to determine if there were significant differences in educational qualifications, pre-presidential community college experience, and presidential career paths of first time community college presidents by era (before and after 2001). The study found: - A diminution of the educational qualifications after 2001 with fewer presidents holding doctorates at the time of their first presidential appointments compared to presidents appointed before 2001; - A significant increase in pre-presidential community college experience of presidents appointed after 2001 at the time of their first presidential appointments compared to presidents appointed before 2001; - A significant difference in presidential career paths by era. Specifically, presidents appointed after 2001 were significantly less likely to have entered the community college system from K12 or from non-educational management positions. Presidents appointed after 2001 were also significantly less likely to have served as a community college Chief Academic Officer and significantly more likely to have served as a community college Primary Academic Officer, Chief Students Affairs Officer, or Vice President.

Master of Science / Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Candice A. Shoemaker / Educational opportunities in horticultural therapy at colleges and universities are currently experiencing a minimal level as compared to the time of their development in the early 1970’s. While there is an education decline in horticultural therapy, there is a rebirth of interest in this therapeutic modality taking place within the medical profession. Due to the lack of availability of university introductory-level horticultural therapy courses throughout the United States, it is important to ascertain what topics are needed for inclusion in an introductory course. A survey was sent to 13 horticultural therapy practitioners, 11 university instructors, and 8 students. Overall, responses of practitioners and professors were varied in their opinions. The one topic of importance in which they agreed was horticultural therapy definitions, as definitions for horticultural therapy, horticultural therapist, and horticultural therapy programs. A majority of horticultural therapy practitioners indicated that horticultural therapy history and theories are important topics for an introductory horticultural therapy course. A majority of the professors reported that horticultural therapy settings are a somewhat important topic. Topics of interest to students who had taken an introduction to horticultural therapy course included interaction with special populations (for example, elders, children, patients in physical rehabilitation), the use of adaptive gardening techniques and tools, and measuring the benefits of horticultural therapy. Topics of interest about which students wanted to learn more were ways in which to help each population through planned activities and how to reach horticultural therapy goals planned for patients and clients. Results of a literature search was conducted in which sources of information indicated that there have been declines in educational opportunities over time and a lack of growth in these opportunities. Based on the survey results and literature review, an introductory horticultural therapy course was developed. An introduction-type course is one that briefly introduces most, if not all, topics that will be studied in depth in more advanced courses. It should be designed in such a way that interests students and encourages them to continue their studies in the program. At the same time, the concerns and interests of the practitioners and professors need to be considered in the design of the course. As a result, the course was planned and includes the topics that are of interest to the participants in the surveys. The topics include horticultural therapy history, theories, definitions, program types, client/patient groups, settings, and the people-plant relationship.