Date of Award
5-1-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. in Education
First Advisor
Phillis George
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
This Dissertation in Practice examines the potential integration of gender-sensitive Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) into journalism education to enhance the preparedness of women journalists for high-risk reporting contexts. Manuscript I investigates existing gaps in curricula, highlighting the distinct physical, psychological, and ethical risks encountered by women in hostile environments. Manuscript II outlines a framework for qualitatively evaluating an adapted HEFAT program, considering how identity-informed and trauma-sensitive approaches might strengthen student safety, resilience, and ethical decision-making. Manuscript III explores leadership strategies for implementing inclusive, trauma-informed HEFAT curricula, emphasizing reflexive practice and self-authorship as mechanisms for fostering transformative, equity-driven change. Taken together, these manuscripts propose pathways for systemic curricular reform informed by study data and grounded in Organizational Change Theory and feminist pedagogical principles, aiming to create journalism education programs that better equip future journalists, particularly women, with the skills, resilience, and ethical grounding necessary to navigate high-risk reporting while advancing social justice within academic and professional contexts.
Recommended Citation
Charlot, Vanessa, "Empowering Women Journalists’ Preparedness: An Evaluation of Hostile Environment First Aid Training (HEFAT) and Its Implementation in Academic Journalism Programs" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 8805.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/8805