Adjunct Faculty Engagement: Loreen McRea Keller

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Adjunct Faculty Engagement: Connections in Pursuit of Student Success in Community Colleges

A doctoral thesis presented by

Loreen McRea Keller

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education In the field of Education

College of Professional Studies Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts August 2015

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Abstract United States community colleges continue to increase rates of adjunct, or part-time faculty hires. Adjunct instructors currently teach between sixty and seventy percent of community college courses nationwide. Traditionally they have few institutional obligations, campus connections, or input to the academic process, and fewer opportunities to connect with students. At the same time, community colleges are under increased local, state, and national pressure to increase student success, defined as achievement of a degree, certificate, or educational goals. A qualitative study sought adjunct faculty perceptions of their role in student success. Fifteen faculty members participated from a large Midwestern community college. A bounded case study methodology was utilized for data collection. Grid and group analysis, an anthropological mechanism for categorizing human relationships and affiliations within organizations, was applied to findings. Four conclusions emerged: faculty care about the academic and life skills of their students and recognize gaps in basic education that must be remedied; adjunct instructors bring "real-life" experience and lessons to their classrooms; they concur that student engagement on campus and in education promotes completion; and their own professional efficacy requires cultural and structural connections with the college. Community college students and part-time faculty are fluid populations. In order to increase student success, colleges must make adjunct instructors an integral and enthusiastic part of that mission. Future research is recommended on a larger scale, with consideration of long-term structural and policy changes in higher education.

Key Terms: Adjunct instructor, part-time, contingent faculty, student success, community college

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Dedication In memory of Dr. George N. Aagaard, who encouraged me to become an expert, and in honor of

Gregory D. Keller, LTC, USAF(Ret.), who set a great example to follow.

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Acknowledgements Thank you to the Northeastern University faculty, staff, and students in whose company I became a scholar. The high expectations, the support, and the resources offered on campus and online were deeply appreciated. Three years spent immersed in educational research presented some of the toughest academic challenges of my career, and meeting those challenges empowered me to pursue meaningful work in higher education. Appreciation goes out to my first department chair, Dr. Steve Young, for hiring me as an adjunct instructor. Thanks to Dr. Thomas Takayama, who recognized and encouraged my aspiration to become an administrator. Additional gratitude is given to Dr. Vicky Smith and Dr. Tony Miksa, who encouraged my pursuit of doctoral study. Respect and great appreciation goes to Dr. Joe McNabb, who insisted on clarity and precision from day one of the program. Thanks to Dr. Carolyn Bair, for her patience and for protection of the highest standards. Finally, in recognition of their significant investment and commitment, thanks to Dr. Leslie Hitch and Dr. Jennifer Scheitler, without whom this dissertation would be a lesser contribution. Roger and Diane McRea, and Wendy Keller: your faith and love have sustained me, and your support has been immeasurable. Greg, Melissa, Caroline, and Alison: my entire life is enriched because of you.

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Table of Contents

Abstract .........................................................................................................2

Dedication ......................................................................................................3

Acknowledgements............................................................................................4

List of Figures .................................................................................................8

List of Tables ..................................................................................................8

Chapter One: Introduction Problem Statement....................................................................................9 Student Success and Community Colleges........................................................9 Significance ...........................................................................................11 Positionality .........................................................................................13 Research Question .................................................................................14 Purpose of Study .....................................................................................15 Key Terms ...........................................................................................15 Organization and Content .........................................................................15

Chapter Two: Literature Review Introduction ..........................................................................................17 Adjunct Faculty and Institutional Characteristics ..............................................18 Adjunct Faculty Engagement and Student Success ............................................21 Institutional Culture and Context .................................................................24 Best Practices for Faculty Integration .............................................................27 Conclusion............................................................................................31

Chapter Three: Research Design Research Question ..................................................................................32 Overview of Methodology .........................................................................33 Overview of Case Study ...........................................................................34 Overview of Information Gathered ...............................................................36 Research Sample ....................................................................................37 Site and Participants ................................................................................37

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