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.
2024-2025 Award Winner
2024-2025 Award Nominees
Grant D. Bitzer, EdD
December 2024 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Exploring the Experiential Learning of Patient Education for Doctor of Physical Therapy Students at an Academic Medical Center: A Qualitative Single Case Study
Committee Members: Shelby D. Vaughn, Ed.D., Kellie M. Dixon, Ed.D., Joshua Smith, Ph.D.
Debra A. Bowden, EdD
December 2024 Graduate
Problem of Practice Title: Business Builders: A Quantitative Study to Examine the Drivers of High Recruiting Performance for Direct Sellers in a Single U.S. Direct Selling Company
Committee Members: Corina Kaul, Ph.D., Shelby D. Vaughn, Ed.D., Kevin Scott, Ph.D.
Rachel C. Coussens, EdD
May 2025 Graduate
PoP Title: Exploring West Michigan High School Students’ Experiences Completing Academic Tasks Without Wi-Fi at Home: A Single Case Study
Committee Members: Ryann Shelton, Ph.D., Leanne Howell, Ph.D., Joshua Smith, Ph.D.
Melissa L. Miller, EdD
May 2025 Graduate
PoP Title: Social Identity in the Workplace: A Multiple Case Study That Explores How Social Group Membership Impacts People Who Identify as Neurodivergent in Workplaces Designed for Neurotypical Employees
Committee Members: Leanne Howell, Ph.D., Brenda K. Jones, Ph.D., Lacy K. Crocker Papadakis, Ph.D.
Tatiana Marion Piche, EdD
December 2025 Graduate
PoP Title: To the Pointe: A Narrative Inquiry Study Understanding Studio Teacher Experiences Using Culturally Relevant Pedagogy When Teaching Classical Ballet
Committee Members: Kellie M. Dixon, Ed.D., Corina Kaul, Ph.D. Lacy K. Crocker Papadakis, Ph.D.
Margaret Ellen Ruelle, EdD
August 2024 Graduate
PoP Title: Exploring Student Perceptions of the Role of the Learning Commons in Academic Success: A Qualitative, Exploratory Single Case Study at a Midsize Community College
Committee Members: Julia Collier Earl, Ph.D., Kellie M. Dixon, Ed.D., Lacy K. Crocker Papadakis, Ph.D.
Elvira Salazar, EdD
May 2025 Graduate
PoP Title: Development for Diverse School Leadership: A Case Study Exploring the Experience of Early Career Latina Education Leaders in a Latino Leadership Fellowship Program
Committee Members: Brenda K. Jones, Ph.D., Leanne Howell, Ph.D., Kevin Scott, Ph.D.