Tarleton State University - Educational Leadership & Technology

10/28/2026

Interested in earning a Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning?

Tarleton State University is gathering interest for a Summer 2027 offering of our Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning!

The certificate includes two courses focused on designing engaging online learning environments and facilitating effective online instruction.

Proposed Dates: June 7–July 29, 2027

Special Opportunity for School Districts!
We are offering a discounted district package of $4,000 for five educators to complete the certificate!

Whether you're looking to strengthen your online teaching skills or support professional learning across your district, we'd love to hear from you!

📝 Interested? Complete our Certificate Interest Form to receive additional information.

🔗 Certificate Details: https://www.tarleton.edu/extendeded/certificate-in-online-teaching-and-learning/

🔗 Interest Form: https://forms.gle/T7rPNgMqcfzpvobd9

10/26/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Uriel Urganga on completing his dissertation study, TEACHER PERCEPTIONS OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC

As a scholar-practitioner and educational leader, Dr. Uranga explored a problem of practice in his school: inconsistent use of technology tools by teachers.

His work led to recommendations for better supporting technology integration, including increased teacher-facing support, ongoing professional development, and a system for ensuring technology is functional and up to date.

His work was supported by dissertation chair Dr. Nicole Mishnick, and committee members Dr. Lesley Leach and Dr. Dana Wise. Dr. Uranga also worked with Dr. Brock, Tarleton Dissertation Coach

10/20/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Marcus Brown, who successfully defended his dissertation, “Shuffling Selves: Navigating Professional and Player Identities as a Practitioner in Gaming-Based Community Building for First-Generation Students”! His dissertation committee consisted of Dr. Ryan Glaman (chair), Dr. Karl Aho, and Dr. Juanita Reyes. Dr. Brown’s study has interesting implications for student community building, and we are all very proud of his work!

10/19/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Cody Martin on the successful completion of his dissertation, Welding Student Persistence from Certificate to Degree Completion at the Community College.

Dr. Martin’s study explored the factors welding students consider when choosing between a one-year certificate and a two-year associate degree. Students identified program cost, length, perceived importance, and required coursework as considerations in their educational decisions. Understanding these perspectives can help community colleges better support students as they pursue the training and credentials needed for skilled careers.

Congratulations to Dr. Martin and his committee: Co-chairs Dr. Juanita M. Reyes & Dr. Celia Scott, committee members, Dr. Michelle Abrego & Dr. Stephen Pape and dissertation coach Dr. Bree Baum.

10/16/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Jaska, who successfully defended her dissertation, “A Mixed Methods Study Examining College Students’ Experiences Regarding Mental Health Concerns, Resilience, and Student Support”. Her dissertation committee consisted of Dr. Ryan Glaman (chair), Dr. Juanita Reyes, and Dr. Nicole Mishnick. We are all very proud of Dr. Jaska and cannot wait to see how her dissertation will impact practices surrounding student mental health in the future!

10/16/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Stephens on a successful defense of her dissertation, Campus Culture and Student Academic Achievement at a Federally Identified CSI Intermediate Campus in Texas.

Dr. Stephens's longitudinal trend study examined how campus organizational culture changed over six-years of mandated turnaround reform at a federally designated CSI intermediate campus in Texas, and how these cultural shifts related to student academic achievement. Findings from this study provide crucial evidence demonstrating that organizational culture is not a passive byproduct of prescribed school improvement strategies, but rather an active, mediating prerequisite for sustaining academic turnaround in chronically underperforming schools.

Congratulations to Dr. Stephens, dissertation chair Dr. Celia Scott, and committee members Dr. Lesley Leach, Dr. Stephanie Atchley, and Dr. Bree Baum on this important accomplishment!

10/15/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Johnathan Coker on successfully defending his dissertation, Between Promise and Risk: Teacher Decisions and Student Experiences with Technology in a One-to-One Private High School!

Dr. Coker’s study offers timely insight for schools navigating classroom technology and AI. The findings show that providing students with devices is only a starting point; meaningful integration also depends on how technology supports learning, the professional learning teachers receive, and the expectations schools establish. By bringing teacher and student perspectives together, Dr. Coker’s research identifies practical ways schools can strengthen technology use while preserving teachers’ judgment and keeping student experiences at the center.

Congratulations, Dr. Coker, and thank you to his dissertation chair, Dr. Celia Scott, and committee members, Dr. Nicole Mishnick, and Dr. Juanita Reyes for their guidance and support!

10/15/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Vela on his dissertation research, Proactive Academic Advising and the Impact on Dual Enrollment Students.

Dr. Vela’s study highlights how proactive advising can shape a student’s experience with college while still in high school. Students described how trusted, consistent advisors helped them choose courses connected to their future goals, understand college expectations, find academic and financial resources, and grow more confident advocating for themselves. These findings offer a practical message for schools and colleges: meaningful advising relationships can help students navigate college opportunities and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Vela on this important accomplishment! Special thanks to his dissertation chair, Dr. Celia Scott, and committee members Dr. Juanita Reyes and Dr. Nicole Mishnick for their guidance and support throughout this work.

10/09/2026

Congratulations to Dr. David Quarles on completing his dissertation study, “ANALYZING THE PERCEIVED IMPACT OF CELL PHONE RESTRICTION POLICIES ON TEACHER WORKLOAD AND WELLBEING THROUGH THE JOB DEMANDS-RESOURCES MODEl”! 🎉

As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Quarles addressed a problem of practice in his own school: Examining the perceived impact of the cell-phone ban on fellow teachers.

His work led to recommendations for implemeting the cell phone in a way that does not lead to increased burnout. Dr. Quarles also shared his findings with fellow teachers which lead to conversations with administrators on ensuring rules are followed while also protecting teachers!

His work was supported by dissertation chair Dr. Nicole Mishnick, and committee members Dr. Ryan Glaman and Dr. Mandi Nelson.

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10/08/2026

👏 👏 Here’s to many more 👏 👏

Congratulations to COMMS's own Dr. Melissa Musser on 5 years at Tarleton State University.