Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler School of Education

Advisor

Judith B. Galician

Committee Member

Antonia V. Martinez

Keywords

Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Leadership Studies, Liberal Arts, Mixed -Methods, Program Effectiveness, Program Evaluation

Abstract

>Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Leadership Studies Program. James P. Hopkins, 2013. Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler School of Education. ERIC Descriptors: Undergraduate Study, Student Experience, Program Effectiveness, Program Evaluation, Leadership. This case study reported on the effectiveness of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies program of instruction at the University of Richmond. The research extended and replicates research of a similar nature completed by Brungardt (1997) at Fort Hays State University and Funk (2005) at Kansas State University. The study investigated if the academic programming was an effective change agent were the attitudes, behaviors, or knowledge of the graduating seniors affected, and, if so, how. The study also reviewed which curriculum components pedagogy, course content, or service learning were most effective. This mixed-methods study focused on the perennial question surrounding academically based leadership studies programs are they effective? While effectiveness and causation are the main themes of this research, the study also addressed the utility of mixed-methods research on leadership topics and the need for further research into programs offering leadership studies degrees. The results suggested that students changed by growing in leadership capacity and efficacy through their Jepson School academic experiences. Quantitative instruments reflect growth in leadership behaviors from the sophomore to senior years and an overall satisfaction with the Jepson academic programming. The qualitative instruments added weight and meaning to quantitative results by explaining program impacts and benefits from a student, alumni, and key staff perspective. The results of this study matched the results of previous research and suggested that academic leadership studies programs are effective change agents.

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