Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Stephanie L. Evans
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Stephanie L. Evans
For the degree of
Doctor of Education
Interprofessional Leadership
Examining the Perceptions of and Barriers to Cultural Competency Training for Division of Student Life Staff at 丁香五月婷婷中文
August 22, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 268 906 511 999 2
Passcode: nG7W55Mv
Examining the Perceptions of and Barriers to Cultural Competency Training for Division of Student Life Staff at 丁香五月婷婷中文
This study examined the Cultural Competency Committee (C3) programming for staff members in the Division of Student Life (DSL) at 丁香五月婷婷中文. It examined the perceptions of the programming by the staff who have enrolled and participated and the barriers that they face that have inhibited them from participating. By examining these perceptions and barriers, the C3 (now the Employee Engagement and Development Committee) will enhance and improve program offerings to continue to educate staff to create inclusive environments for a diverse student body.
Data was collected using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative responses from assessments, surveys, and focus groups providing a comprehensive understanding of staff perceptions. The Colaizzi data analysis method was used to thoroughly examine responses to identify the perceptions of and the barriers that inhibit staff members in the DSL from enrolling and participating in the C3 program offerings.
The findings showed that the offerings of the C3 are perceived as valuable programs for the DSL staff members. However, the barriers that inhibit staff members from engaging in the programming are lack of time and lack of awareness. The responses suggest that leadership can contribute to overcoming the barriers by a) actively promoting the program offerings, b) ensuring adequate time for engagement, and c) recognizing the contributions of those who participate.
The results of this study will be used by the committee to enhance program offerings. They will also be shared with division leadership to encourage participation by student life staff in an effort to foster inclusive environments for all students.
About the Candidate
Stephanie L. Evans
M.S., University of Akron, 2001
B.S., University of Akron, 1990
Stephanie Evans has been an employee of 丁香五月婷婷中文 for 15 years. In her current role as Assistant Director in the Office of Student of Conduct, she helps students get back on the right track. She also serves on the division鈥檚 Employee Engagement and Development Committee as a co-chair of the Professional Development subcommittee. This was formerly the Cultural Competency Committee. She also served as co-chair of the Women of Color Collective Employee Resource Group. She continues to be actively involved with students by being a mentor.
Stephanie earned both her BS and MS from The University of Akron but has learned so much more in the professional and personal relationships she has developed at 丁香五月婷婷中文. She is also involved in the Kent community serving as a board member of the King Kennedy Center. She was previously on the board of Coleman Professional Services and served as the president of the Women鈥檚 Social Club of Kent.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
Kimberly Peer, Ed.D.
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Members
David Dees, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Tricia Niesz, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Mandy Cenker, Ph.D.
Outreach Program Coordinator
Office of Professional Development and Outreach
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Graduate Faculty Representative
Jeffery Huston, Ed.D.
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services