The College of Education announces the final Dissertation of

Karen Kitchens

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

November 3, 2016 at 1:00 pm in 103 Ball Hall

Major Advisors: Yonghong Xu, PhD and Susan Nordstrom, PhD (co-chairs)

The Persistence and Retention of Students Participating in a Student Success Program

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the mixed methods study was to examine and explore the institutional policy levers that facilitate successful educational outcomes in a TRiO funded Student Success Program at a large, urban research university in the Mid-South. The outcomes of academic progress, academic achievement, and academic engagement were examined and explored. Results indicate holistic case management, development of life skills as well as academic skills, and the creation of an inclusive and supportive environment contribute to successful educational outcomes for first generation, low income college students.