Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. in Education
First Advisor
Ty C. McNamee
Second Advisor
Kirsten Dellinger
Third Advisor
Macey Edmondson
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Arkansas consistently ranks among the bottom five states nationally for bachelor’s degree attainment. To explore the factors contributing to this trend and identify opportunities for increasing degree completion, this study focuses on women attending Regional Public Universities (RPUs) in Arkansas. By examining the barriers these women face, this research aims to uncover critical gaps and inform future areas for research, policy, and investment.
Women represent the largest segment of undergraduate enrollment in the state, consistently enrolling in college at higher rates than their male peers. RPUs enroll more bachelor's degree-seeking students than any other type of institution in Arkansas, including the state’s flagship university, highlighting their key role in driving degree attainment. Despite this, limited research has been dedicated specifically to women’s educational attainment in the state, particularly at RPUs.
This study employs a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to degree completion. Quantitative data will identify trends and correlations, while qualitative methods will explore the student experiences behind these patterns. This blended approach offers a holistic view of both the structural and personal challenges students face.
Framed by the concepts of human capital and social mobility, this research seeks to better understand how gender and regionalism shape educational outcomes. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to support the success of Arkansas women in higher education and promote broader social and economic mobility across the state through the identification of barriers to degree attainment. From the identification of barriers and recommendations of future action to support combating these barriers, this study will serve as a new avenue of research in the state of Arkansas aimed at growing the population of residents with a bachelor’s degree.
Recommended Citation
Fudge, Meagan Rochelle Bowling, "Boundaries and Barriers: A Study on The Factors Influencing Bachelor’s Degree Attainment for Women in Arkansas at Regional Public Universities" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3280.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3280