The thesis is an intellectual and practical learning experience providing students the opportunity to conduct original research and to engage in what it means to be a scholar-practitioner. The thesis consists of 3 classes, 6 credit hours; a committee, including the supervisor and two faculty members who all must be satisfied with the student’s work; and the thesis defense; not to mention numerous meetings, and a great deal of reading, writing, thinking. The Timothy W. Herrmann Distinguished Thesis of the Year Award is an annual recognition of an excellent thesis often characterized by a unique methodological design, a topic that addresses an important problem, and scholarship that makes a significant contribution to the field of higher education.

The Department of Higher Education and Student Development is proud to recognize one individual from each graduating class for his or her exceptional master’s thesis.

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Theses from 2023

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Career Related Stress and Faculty Work–Life Balance, Sarah Jo Chipka

Theses from 2022

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Administrative Leadership During Crisis in Higher Education: Absorbing Chaos, Giving Calm, and Providing Hope - A Phenomenological Case Study, Eryn Marburger

Theses from 2021

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Promoting Persistence: Faculty of Color and the Graduation Rates of Students of Color at Predominantly White Institution, Serena Draper

Theses from 2020

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Creating a Sense of Belonging for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study Analysis, Hannah Gumbert

Theses from 2019

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Student Study Abroad Goals and Change in Intercultural Competence, Tammera R. Maloney

Theses from 2018

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Paradigm or Paradox? Student Consumerism and Learning at a Liberal Arts Institution, Jessica L. Martin

Theses from 2017

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The Quiet Call: A Grounded Theory Exploration of Vocational Development and Introversion in College Students, Alex T. Crist

Theses from 2016

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Quantitative Reasoning in the Numbers: A Qualitative Study of Trends in Higher Education Mathematics Curriculum, Julia C. VanderMolen

Theses from 2015

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A Culture that Aspires, A Culture that Inspires: A Case Study Analysis of the Calvin College Philosophy Department, Hannah M. Adderley

Theses from 2014

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In Pursuit of Purpose: The Effects of Involvement on the Development of Calling in College Students, Jeffry T. Aupperle

Theses from 2013

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A Model of Faith-Learning Integration in Exemplary Teaching Faculty, Kathryn A. Westrate

Theses from 2012

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Spiritual Expectations and Experiences of Students at a Faith-Based Institution, Jessica A. Fankhauser

Theses from 2010

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Mercy, Not Sacrifice: College Student Spirituality and Social Concern and Action, Philip D. Byers

Theses from 2009

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Development of the Social Justice Orientation Scale, Benjamin R. Taylor