Graduate Courses
Perceptions of Their Experiences with the Digital Divide: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology of First-Year College Students
The digital divide is an inequity in access to technology or the skills and knowledge necessary to use technology for personal gain. In the context of this study, examples include: not having computers or technology in classrooms, not being able to take computer skills or computer science classes, only using technology for skill-and-drill, lack of user support, and more. Traditionally, students who are racial-ethnic minorities, rural residents, or who attended poor or failing schools are most often impacted.
Fitting in When You Stand Out
Community is commonly thought of as a large group of individuals who share several characteristics. While this is not incorrect, a community can be as small as two or three people with similar traits, ideals, or experiences. Many students of color enter their doctoral programs and feel alone because they do not see anyone who looks like them. The academic journey toward the completion of a doctoral degree is arduous enough without having to deal with the feeling of isolation. However, finding two or three other people you can connect with regarding an experience can be the difference in remaining alone versus fitting in your program. This chapter shows that one’s community does not have to be large, nor does it have to be composed of people with whom you spend a great deal of time. It may be a fellow student who works in the same sector as you or a professor who acknowledges and validates one of your assignments. Anyone who contributes to your achievements in any way is a member of your community.
Failures in Leadership: Learn From Others’ Mistakes
Strong leadership is not defined by avoiding mistakes, but by recognizing and overcoming the habits that undermine trust, credibility, and organizational success. This session explores seven common pitfalls that can derail even capable leaders. Drawing on leadership research and real-world observations and experience, this presentation reveals how these failures develop, why leaders fall into them, and the lasting impact they have on employees, stakeholders, and organizational performance.
More importantly, this session provides a practical roadmap for avoiding these leadership traps before they take root. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the critical role of character, accountability, mission alignment, and trust in effective leadership. Whether leading a large organization, a small team, or serving in an emerging leadership role, participants will leave equipped to identify warning signs, strengthen their leadership foundation, and cultivate the habits that inspire lasting confidence and success.
Building Credibility
Credibility is the foundation of effective leadership, built on a simple but powerful principle: Do What We Say We Will Do (DWWSWWD). Drawing on the work of Kouzes and Posner, this session explores how leaders earn trust, inspire confidence, and strengthen their influence through consistent actions and authentic relationships. Participants will discover the six essential practices of credible leadership. Through practical examples and research-based insights, attendees will learn how personal character, competence, and accountability shape the trust others place in them.
The session also highlights the critical role of communication, collaboration, and shared values in creating high-performing teams and organizations. Attendees will gain strategies for fostering trust, encouraging constructive dialogue, developing talent, and leading with purpose in ways that motivate others to contribute their best work. By emphasizing authenticity, service, resilience, and hope, this presentation provides leaders at every level with actionable tools to cultivate lasting credibility, strengthen workplace relationships, and positively influence organizational culture and performance.
What Followers Want (Need) In a Leader
Great leadership begins with a relationship. This session explores the fundamental qualities that inspire people to follow and remain committed to a leader. Drawing on established leadership principles, the presentation examines the three core expectations followers have of their leaders: integrity, competence, and ability. Participants gain insight into why trust, character, productivity, decisiveness, and vision are essential to building meaningful and effective leadership relationships.
The presentation also highlights the characteristics people most admire in leaders that form the foundation of credibility, the indispensable element of leadership influence. Participants will discover why credibility matters more than leadership techniques alone and learn how investing in trust and authenticity creates leaders who are truly worth following. Ideal for current and emerging leaders, this session provides practical perspectives on building the confidence and commitment of those they lead.
Dr. Jesse Moland 