Tarleton State University - Educational Leadership & Technology

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.

10/07/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Carrie Suess on completing her dissertation study, “Supporting the Whole Child: Implementing a Social-Emotional Learning Program in a Small Faith-Based School”! 🎉

As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Suess addressed a problem of practice in her own school: how to integrate social-emotional learning into everyday classroom instruction to better support students’ needs. Her findings provide guidance for strengthening SEL through intentional instruction, shared language, and flexible approaches that reflect each classroom’s needs.

Beyond her school, Carrie’s work offers practical insights for leaders in small and faith-based schools seeking to support the whole child while helping teachers adapt SEL resources to their students and existing practices.

Her work was supported by dissertation chair Dr. Celia Scott, committee members Dr. Ryan Glaman and Dr. Nicole Mishnick, and dissertation coach Dr. Bree Baum.

10/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Tiffany Talamantes on successfully defending her dissertation!

Her study explored non-traditional students’ campus involvement, institutional identity, and alumni engagement. Her findings offer practical ways universities can reduce barriers to participation, strengthen belonging, and build lasting connections with alumni through flexible events, meaningful communication, and professional networking.

Thank you to her dissertation chair, Dr. Juanita M. Reyes, and committee members, Dr. Celia Scott, Dr. Nicole Mishnick, and dissertation coach Dr. Bree Baum for supporting her journey. We’re proud of you, Tiffany! 💜

09/18/2026

The countdown is on - Start your application today! 📆www.tarleton.edu/edlt/doctoral-application/

You know what they say: “The early bird gets the worm!” ⏰

The Early Application Deadline for the Dennis P. McCabe Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is quickly approaching! This is the time to prepare your application for our three-year, cohort-based EdD program.

Designed to meet the schedules of full-time professionals, our Doctor of Educational Leadership program for all levels of education offers a relevant, approachable, and affordable doctoral education with online components. Through theory and practice, we prepare you to improve education by engaging multiple perspectives and building leadership capacity in yourself and others.

𝑃𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑢𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 with Tarleton’s EdD. Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2026.

🎓 tarleton.edu/edlt/

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Kayla Reed, who successfully defended her dissertation, “IMPACT OF THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY PRACTICE ON DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS’ SELF-EFFICACY WHEN ADMINISTERING INTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHS”. Her mixed-methods study explored how virtual reality practice influences dental hygiene students’ confidence in performing intraoral radiography, as well as students’ perceptions of using VR in dental hygiene education. Her findings highlight VR's potential as a supplemental learning tool while reinforcing the importance of hands-on clinical experiences and instructor guidance. Her dissertation committee consisted of Dr. Nicole Mishnick (chair), Dr. Ryan Glaman, and Dr. Credence Baker. We are all very proud of Dr. Reed and her accomplishments. We look forward to her continued research and impact in her field.

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Tra Hall, who successfully defended his dissertation, “An Examination of Technostress (TS) and Always-On Mobile Information and Communication Technology (MICT) as Predictors of K-12 Administrator Burnout”. His study highlights the unique ways in which technology usage in education may predict administrator burnout, as well as some practical implications for how this issue may be addressed. His dissertation committee consisted of Dr. Ryan Glaman (chair), Dr. Stephanie Atchley, and Dr. Juanita Reyes. We are all very proud of Dr. Hall and his accomplishment!

08/14/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Leslie Coffelt for successfully defending her dissertation titled "Perceptions of Texas Public K-12 Gifted Programs' Influence on Gifted Students' Transition into Postsecondary Life: A Phenomenological Study." Dr. Coffelt's study will help educators better understand the needs of gifted students in Texas and help transform GT programming. Her committee members consisted of Dr. Nicole Mishnick (Chair), Dr. Celia Scott, and Dr. Sonya Brown. Dr. Coffelt was also supported by Dr. Kendall Hutchinson, her dissertation coach. Congratulations Dr. Coffelt and team!

08/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Andrea Lasher for successfully defending her dissertation titled "How Motivating and Demotivating Factors Shape Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study of Teachers' Perceptions." Dr. Lasher's study will help educators better understand the factors that influence teachers’ decisions to stay or leave the profession. The findings can also inform school leaders on how to strengthen leadership practices, reduce job demands, and build supportive school relationships that promote teacher motivation and well-being, thereby improving teacher satisfaction and retention. Her committee members consisted of Dr. Juanita Reyes (Chair), Dr. Ryan Glaman, and Dr. Cindy Edwards.

08/10/2026

Congratulations to our July 2026 doctoral graduates! We are so proud of you!