Summer 2021

Dissertation Title: Elementary Gifted Teachers’ Lived Experiences Regarding Black Males’ Participation in Gifted Education
Student: Justin Gunnels
Chair: Dr. Jodi Newton

Spring 2021

*Dissertation Title: Perceptions of Parental Involvement in High-Poverty Schools: A Qualitative Study
Student: Kalvin E. Eaton, Marcus L. Edwards, Serra H. Peterson
Chair: Dr. Jane Cobia

*Dissertation Title: Educators' Perceptions of Character Education and Its Influence on School Climate
Student: Sandy Jolivette, Kesia D. Smith, Angela J. Watkins
Chair: Dr. Jane Cobia

Dissertation Title: Elementary Educators' Perceptions of Instructional Efficacy in Inclusion Classrooms
Student: Theresa D. King
Chair: Dr. Les Ennis

Dissertation Title: An Examination of Urban Elementary and Middle School Teachers' Perceptions of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
Student: Melvin Love, Vieshell M. Tatum
Chair: Dr. Jodi Newton

Dissertation Title: Departmental and Non-Departmental Structures on the Reading and Mathematics Achievement of Third and Fourth Grade Students
Student: Rikki F. Wise
Chair: Dr. Jane Cobia

Fall 2020

Dissertation Title: Teacher Retention in Alabama's Urban Schools: A Quantitative Study
Student: Janelle Cousins-Billings
Chair: Dr. Les Ennis

Dissertation Title: An Analysis of Factors that Impact Special Needs Programming in Christian Churches
Student: Johanna Jones
Chair: Dr. Jane Cobia

*Dissertation Title: Secondary and Post-Secondary Instructors' Perceptions of College Readiness in Gateway English
Student: Haley Nix, Eugene Dallas
Chair: Dr. Jane Cobia

*Dissertation Title: Promoting Resilience in Teachers: An Examination of a Program Designed to Improve Teachers' Social-Emotional Competence
Student: Jessica Williams, Benjamin Styles
Chair: Dr. Mary Yakimowski

*Dissertation Title: Educators' Beliefs on Evidence-Based Problem-Solving Mathematical Practices in High and Low Performing Urban Elementary Title I
Student: Ann Eskridge, Kenya Hall, Robert Stewart
Chair: Dr. Mary Yakimowski

**Dissertation Title: A Case Study Exploring the Mindsets of Those in Residential Group Homes and Perceptions of Teachers and Students
Student: Meghan Owens, Ken Thornbrough

Chair: Dr. Mary Yakimowski

*Dissertation Title: Teachers’ Perception of Social Emotional Learning: A Qualitative Study of Academically Successful Middle Schools with Low Socio-Economic Status 
Student: LaTausha Daniels, Dedre Warren, Angela Day
Chair: Dr. Jodi Newton

Dissertation Title: Educator Perspectives on the Most Useful Strategies for Minority Students in Acquiring Social-Emotional Learning Skills in an Urban School Setting: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Student: Catherine Finkley, Michelle Hayes
Chair: Dr. Les Ennis

*Dissertation Title: Teachers Perceptions of Principal Leadership Styles in Schools with Effective Character Education Programs 
Student: Thomasena Garner, Edwards Williams
Chair: Dr. Jodi Newton

Dissertation Title: Exploring Educators' Lived Experiences of Facility Dogs in Elementary Schools: A Phenomenological Study
Student: Wendy Story, Laura Tate
Chair: Dr. Amy Benton

**Dissertation Title: Implementation Of and Support For Comprehensive School Counseling Programs: An Examination of Alabama Program of Distinction Recipient
Student: Daniel Birdsong
Chair: Dr. Mary Yakimowski

*Dissertation Title: Instructional Coaches in the High School Setting: Their Role, Relationships, and Influence on Teacher and Student Learning
Student: Brad Cooper, Mark Edwards, Brad Stapler
Chair: Dr. Mary Yakimowski

*Students and associated faculty presented this research at an Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (AAPEL) state conference.
**In addition to the research being presented at an Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (AAPEL) state conference, it was also published in the Alabama Journal of Educational Leadership (AJEL)-Volume VI.