Date of Award
3-2025
Culminating Project Type
Dissertation
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Higher Education Administration: Ed.D.
Department
Educational Administration and Higher Education
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Jones, Ph. D., Chairperson
Second Advisor
Dr. Rachel Friedensen, Ph. D.
Third Advisor
Dr. Peggy Sarnicki, Ed. D.
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Matt Vorell, Ph. D.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
Perceptions, Leadership, Leadership Development, Higher Education, Experiential Education, Qualitative
Abstract
This qualitative study examined students’ perceptions of leadership after they completed the leadership track of an experiential educational program. This study also examined the experiences that influenced students’ perceptions of leadership. This research followed a form of directed content analysis known as document analysis. Data were analyzed from reflections from 23 undergraduate students who completed the leadership track of the program. These reflections served as the data set for measuring both students’ perceptions of leadership and identifying the experiences that influenced their perception of leadership throughout the entire experience. These reflections were an organic way to capture their unfiltered thoughts and development journey. Widner and Werner’s (2024) approach to using Intentional Emergence in leadership education was the theoretical framework used to guide this research. The findings from this study demonstrate that undergraduate students develop complex, multidimensional leadership perspectives through their participation in an experiential leadership development program. Their understanding encompasses ethical considerations, interpersonal dynamics, strategic thinking, and personal growth. The various experiences that influenced these perceptions highlight the value of providing various leadership development opportunities, from formal academic instruction to practical application through jobs and organizational involvement. The findings indicate the students’ perceptions of leadership align with the learning outcomes from the program. The findings also indicate the students have both formal and informal experiences that influence their perceptions of leadership.
Recommended Citation
Brunner, Mic, "Perceptions of Leadership in Experiential Education: A Document Analysis of Undergraduate Student Experiences in Higher Education" (2025). Culminating Projects in Higher Education Administration. 98.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/hied_etds/98
Comments/Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I give thanks to God for granting me the strength and perseverance to undertake and complete this challenging journey. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
I extend my deepest gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Jones, whose unwavering support and guidance helped me overcome countless obstacles. Your encouragement to persist when faced with challenges has been invaluable to my success. I am sincerely grateful to my committee members, Dr. Friedensen, Dr. Sarnicki, and Dr. Vorell, for their expertise, insights, and dedication throughout this process. You have all pushed me to be my best and supported me every step of the way. To all my past educators and mentors who have shaped my academic journey and contributed to my growth as a scholar – your influence has been instrumental in bringing me to this moment.
I wish to pay special tribute to my dear friend and colleague, Kevin Ulmer. Kevin and I began our doctoral journey together, supporting each other through coursework and collaborating on numerous assignments. His extraordinary courage in persisting with his studies while battling multiple myeloma was truly inspiring. Though Kevin passed away in September 2024, leaving behind his beloved wife and three daughters, his impact on my life and academic journey is indelible. I am profoundly grateful for the time we spent learning together, and while my heart aches that he could not complete this journey, I am forever blessed to have known him as a colleague and friend.
I am forever indebted to my parents, whose steadfast support of my educational pursuits has never wavered. Your belief in me has been a constant source of motivation. A special thank you to the staff at Kid Zone at the YMCA, who provided excellent care for my children while I worked diligently in the lobby. Your service made this achievement possible.
Last, but most significantly, I express my profound gratitude to my wife, Marissa. Your endless encouragement, patience, and support throughout this journey have been my foundation. This accomplishment is as much yours as it is mine.