EdD-LOC Dissertation of the Year
The Problem of Practice Dissertation of the Year Award honors exceptional students in Baylor University's EdD in Learning and Organizational Change (EdD-LOC) program. The prestigious recognition celebrates excellence in research, originality of study, meaningful community impact, and academic rigor.
Each year, faculty advisors may nominate one student whose dissertation exemplifies the highest standards of scholarly work. Only a select few dissertations receive this nomination annually, making it a significant academic achievement.
From the pool of nominees, the EdD-LOC Dissertation Award Committee selects one finalist based on four established criteria by the Baylor University Graduate School: Significance/Impact, Originality, Soundness of Argumentation, and Methodology/Research/Data.
In addition to receiving the Problem of Practice Dissertation of the Year Award, the winner is also nominated for the Baylor Graduate School Outstanding Dissertation Award, representing the EdD-LOC program and showcasing the impactful work of our students to the broader Baylor community.
2025-2026 Award Winner
2025-2026 Award Nominees
Ryan Aldrich, EdD
December 2025 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Learning Unleashed: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Illuminating Supported Employment Professional Development Perspectives Through the Staged Self-Directed Learning Model
Committee Members: Jessica Meehan, EdD, Anne Steketee, PhD, Kevin Scott, PhD
Barbara Calabrese, EdD
December 2025 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Multimodality in Grade 4 Science: A Qualitative Single Case Study Exploring Place-Based Nature Journaling Representations by Communicatively Diverse Learners in a Western Canadian Public School
Committee Members: Marquita Foster, PhD, Anne Steketee, PhD, Kevin Scott, PhD
Kerstin Cornell, EdD
December 2025 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Why Now: A Quantitative Analysis of Barriers Influencing a Delay in Treatment-Seeking Behavior for Adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Committee Members: Anne Steketee, PhD, Laila Y. Sanguras, PhD, Nicole duPlessis, PhD
Jennifer Crabtree, EdD
Spring 2026 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Aligning State-Mandated Educational Initiatives with Local Needs: An Embedded Single Case Study of Rural School Districts in Michigan
Committee Members: Erin O’Connor Marsano, EdD, Sarah Smitherman Pratt, PhD, Nicole duPlessis, PhD
Kelly Bruce Glynn, EdD
December 2025 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: From Theory to Practice: A Multiple Case Study Exploring Conditions and Practices for High Quality, Sustainable Arts Education in Two Utah Elementary Schools
Committee Members: Shelby D. Vaughn, EdD, Marquita Foster, PhD, Elizabeth Anne Murray, PhD
Brittney Majka, EdD
Spring 2026 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Millennial Motherhood: A Holistic Single-Case Study on Leadership Behaviors Exhibited in Personal Best Parenting Experiences
Committee Members: Shane Kelley, EdD, Sarah Smitherman Pratt, PhD, Lacy K. Crocker Papadakis, PhD
Kelsey M. Norton, EdD
Spring 2026 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Examining Dental Hygiene Educators’ Use and Acceptance of AI Technology Among Members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association: A Quantitative Study
Committee Members: Stefan Vaughn, EdD, Erin O'Connor Marsano, EdD, Regan Postma-Montaño, PhD
Juli J. Schaub, EdD
Spring 2026 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Examining Grade Retention of Former At-Promise Public High School Graduates in Central Texas Through a Life Course Lens: A Qualitative Single Case Study
Committee Members: Angela Girdley, PhD, Laila Y. Sanguras, PhD, Kevin Scott, PhD
Sierra L. Starks, EdD
December 2025 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Forward March: A Qualitative Single Case Study Exploring Enlistment Motivations for Generation Z Women in the United States Army
Committee Members: Melanie S. Meyer, PhD, Shelby D. Vaughn, EdD, Regan Postma-Montaño, PhD
Erin L. Wienk, EdD
August 2025 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Engaging High School Families to Support Student Needs: A Qualitative Embedded Case Study Investigating Perspectives of Louisiana High School Teachers and Parents Towards Equitable Collaborations
Committee Members: Jennifer Guerra, EdD, Corina Kaul, PhD, Nicole duPlessis, PhD
Kaitlin Hope Winburn, EdD
Spring 2026 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: A Holistic Single-Case Study to Explore How Christian Secondary Teachers Describe their Self-Efficacy in Integrating Faith into Learning through Classroom Discussions
Committee Members: Sarah Smitherman Pratt, PhD, Erin O'Connor Marsano, EdD, Nicole duPlessis, PhD