Getting Doctoral Students to the Finish Line: Chair Agency, Chair Preparation, and Academic Supports

• In Event: Educational Leadership Programs: Motivations for Preparation and Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative case study was to understand dissertation chair agency, chair preparation, and the academic supports dissertation students receive in EdD educational leadership programs. The sample for this study included ten faculty at accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Combined, these faculty have successfully served on 714 dissertation committees (419 as chair) and have 160 years of experience. Findings are arranged utilizing three research questions on chair agency, chair preparation, and academic supports. These findings include practices which have the potential to improve attrition rates in educational leadership doctoral programs.

Authors

• Jason LaFrance, Florida Southern College

• Diane LaFrance, Florida Southern College

• Teri Denlea Melton