b"Doctor of PhilosophyEducational LeadershipChristian Barrientos .Central Falls, Rhode IslandB.A., Furman University; M.Ed., Clemson UniversityNo Longer Unseen or Unheard: Exploring the Connectedness of Campus Climate With Multiracial Students' Experiences At Historically White Institutions in the United StatesAdvised by Dr. Michelle Boettcher Christian was nominated for Most Influential Person and Community Leader for the Best of Latinos in the Upstate. He also participated in presentations and peer-reviewed publications throughout his doctoral journey. He looks forward to what is next in store.Darian LaRue Byrd Easley, South CarolinaB.A., Southern Wesleyan University; M.Ed., Ed.S., Clemson UniversityNavigating Crises in Education: A Study of Communication Strategies in PK-12 School DistrictsAdvised by Dr. Hans Klar Darian is the chief communications officer for the School District of Pickens County. He was recognized with the Southern Wesleyan University Alumni Association Professional Excellence Award for the School of Education in 2021. Darian served as the principal at Forest Acres Elementary in Easley, South Carolina, for 11 years and has led numerous district communication and senior leadership initiatives, including COVID-19 response strategies and the development of the Pickens County Virtual Academy.Meredith Grace McDevitt .Ann Arbor, Michigan B.A., Clemson University; M.A., University of MichiganLab to Leadership: How Do Women College STEM Students Classroom Experiences Inform Their Leader Identity Development?Advised by Dr. Michelle Boettcher Adolphus Austin McDonald III .Huntsville, ALB.A., Stillman College; M.Ed., Mercer UniversityThe Game Is The Game: Othermothering And HBCU Student Affairs Job Burnout: A Quantitative StudyAdvised by Dr. Natasha CroomAustin is a proud HBCU graduate and has been published in peer-reviewed journals and one chapter book. He currently serves as specialized faculty at Florida State University as the program director for student learning in the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE). Austin will also serve as an instructor for FSU's M.S. in Higher Education program starting in the fall.William Gary Rhoden, Jr. Spartanburg, South CarolinaB.M., M.A., Furman UniversityCan You Hear Me Now? An Improvement Science Study on Policy Change in Public SchoolsAdvised by Dr. Daniella Hall Sutherland 19"