Toward a Theory of Transition From Public High School to Christian Higher Education

• In Event: 63.060 - Issues in Private Education

Abstract

Christian university practitioners are generally concerned about student attraction and retention. The purpose of this study was to develop a working theory to explain how graduates of public high schools successfully transition into Adventist universities and persist to graduation. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to complete the study. Data analysis, which included several rounds of coding, was based on 18 interviews. The student’s personal faith commitment at enrollment appears to be the single most important factor in contributing to successful transition. The theory consists of a five-step developmental pathway enacted across three domains of student experience. This theory serves as a starting point for the development of a general theory of transition into Christian higher education.

Authors

• Larry D. Burton, Andrews University

• Josephine Esther Katenga, Andrews University

• Christine Moniyung, Southern Adventist University