Floyd, Deborah L.

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in satisfaction of public university Resident Assistants (RAs) with regard to several job satisfaction factors identified on the Resident Assistant Satisfaction Survey (RASS), specifically as compared to Casey’s (2009) normative sample of RAs in privatized university housing. The RASS outlined eight Employment Aspect Factors and three Criterion Factors to determine RA job satisfaction. This study also determined if there were differences in job satisfaction for public university RAs based on gender, racial ethnic identification, or academic class standing. Resident Assistants from three Research I Florida institutions in the United States completed the RASS. There has been very little research identifying
the factors influencing job satisfaction of paraprofessional RAs, specifically at Florida public institutions of higher education and as compared to a privatized university housing Company.

The purpose of this case study was to explore the quality enhancement plan (QEP) process and its influence on student learning of critical thinking and the institutional environment from the perspective of key stakeholders at two community colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (the Commission). Key stakeholders were defined as faculty, staff, and administrators who had direct and continuous involvement with the development and/or implementation of the QEP. This was accomplished through document reviews and analysis of interviews. The study was guided by intertwined quality assurance systems accountability, accreditation, and assessment, and six of Deming’s (1986) total quality management principles. These principles are: (1) customer, (2) training and development, (3) teamwork, (4) measurement, (5) improvement, and (6) leadership (Bosner, 1992; Deming, 1986; Marchese, 1991; Sallis, 2002).

This study examined the initially intended outcomes of the 200 I Florida Senate Bill 1162, a Florida law that established an educational policy granting community colleges the ability to confer baccalaureate degrees in teacher education programs. The intended outcomes included teachers filling growing vacancies statewide. This study found that 69% of Florida College System graduates from 2004-2010 found employment in Florida as teachers, and in fact, the overall percentage outpaced that of students graduating from a Florida State University System institution. This study also uncovered positive relationships between employment and individual student characteristics such as a graduates' age, major, and year they graduated, impacting their likelihood for employment. Overall, this study determined that the 200 I Florida Senate Bill 1162 is succeeding in fulfilling its intended outcome of producing community college baccalaureate degree holders that do indeed find employment in Florida as teachers.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine perspectives of attorneys who have transitioned into community college leadership. The study sought to answer questions concerning why attorneys decided to change careers, how they transition into new careers, and to what extent their legal backgrounds helped them in educational leadership. Interviews were conducted of 20 former attorneys across America on their perspectives about career transition and leadership competencies to determine whether they might serve as a viable source for leadership. Participant perceptions revealed a transition to make a difference, the transition process was smooth, and transition was made for a better work environment. Participants recommended for career changers coming from law to informally learn about community colleges, gain work experience therein, and to earn another degree. Participants reported high abilities in communications and professionalism, which are current AACC leadership competencies. Some participants reported low collaboration competencies. Participants also recommended positive reinforcement, teamwork, and problem-solving as additional AACC leadership competencies. Moreover, participants reported other transferable skills including legal expertise, business sense, and analytical skills. Recommendations from this study include a policy and practice of considering lawyers for educational leadership provided they demonstrate work and commitment toward a transition into community college leadership.

The purpose of this single-site case study was to examine the organization and leadership change process of Palm Beach State College, a publicly funded institution in Florida, as it embarked on offering bachelor’s degree programs. The study examined the organizational change process and the extent to which Palm Beach State College’s organization transformation aligned with the eight stages of John Kotter’s (1996, 2012) Change Management Model. This qualitative research was conducted using triangulation of data collection and analysis methods via interviews, observations, and document review. This study found that the organizational transformation was a success, and that while expanding its offerings, the college remained true to its core mission. Kotter’s model was found to be appropriate to examine the change process, and the college was well aligned in all but the final stage of the model. This research contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of higher education, primarily for two-year colleges embarking on the endeavor of organizational change process to confer baccalaureates.

The objective of this research is to explore the feasibility for an undergraduate Leadership minor to be established at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Insight will be sought through focus groups and phone interviews to explore what degree of interest there is for a Leadership Studies Program here at FAU and to learn what practices work best at other institutions that have established Leadership Studies programs. We will gain this information by asking students what they believe are three skills and attributes of an effective leader, how the new Introduction to Leadership course (LDR 2010) has assisted students in their leadership pursuits, and what their level of interest is for having a program. We will speak with individuals at institutions to gauge what is working for their Leadership programs. With this data, we seek to showcase the desire (or not) for establishing a Leadership Studies Program at FAU.

The purpose of this study was to identify what climate indicators (attitudinal, support provision, student interaction) found in allied health sciences classroom and clinical settings at a northwest community college contribute to the success of students with psychological disabilities. Three climate assessments and a series of interviews revealed crucial information regarding academic support necessary to assist students with psychological disabilities within the allied health sciences. Utilizing mixed methodologies, the researcher collected and analyzed data during the Fall 2005 academic quarter from 177 climate assessments and facilitated 33 interviews, five student focus groups, and five follow-up interviews with students with psychological disabilities. The study revealed allied health sciences faculty and staff who implement universal design principles, take time to meet with students, build trusting relationships, and work as allies may dramatically influence a student's perception of their academic potential therefore, influencing academic success. The research also indicated allied health sciences programs require additional professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to enhance the climate for students with psychological disabilities. Positive attitudinal indicators, increased support provisions, and frequent student interactions between faculty, staff, and students were found to be key indicators for student academic success. Recommendations are provided for faculty and staff to support the success of students with psychological disabilities.