Cultivating Success in Non-Traditional Students

HUMAN KALEIDOSCOPES: CULTIVATING SUCCESS IN NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS CAROLYN COLES BENTON A DISSERTATION Submitted to the Ph.D. in Leadership and Change Program of Antioch University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy October 2015 This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled: HUMAN KALEIDOSCOPES: CULTIVATING SUCCESS IN NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS prepared by Carolyn Coles Benton is approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Change. Approved by: Elizabeth Holloway, Ph.D., Chair date Philomena Essed, Ph.D., Committee Member date Christian Blum, Ph.D., Committee Member date Charles E. Campbell, Ph.D., External Reader date Copyright 2015 Carolyn Coles Benton All rights reserved Acknowledgements “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT) Despite this academic journey beginning as a kind of personal goal, the completion of this doctoral process has—by far—stretched into other distinguishable areas of my life; explicitly, my professional, emotional and spiritual vitality will never be the same as a positive aftereffect of the challenges and occurrences experienced along the path. Beyond question, an extraordinary level of intellectual motivation, commitment and diligence have been required. To earnestly accomplish the intense tasks that were part of an often unstructured creation and develop an approach that refined my skills while I exerted myself striving to maintain an open mind and willingness to work with others, I unwaveringly relied on my faith. Even as I welcomed opportunities that ordinarily would not be appealing, I would find myself in meditation and deep reflection as I sought the direction and provision from my Lord and Savior who shielded me from those risks and perils—seen and unseen. In humble submission to God the Father for providing me with the strength and determination, through it all, to complete each stage of the doctoral journey, I am eternally grateful. The reality of this dream would not have been possible for me without God’s grace and mercy. For skillful guidance, patience and attention provided to me, I acknowledge—from the bottom of my heart—my doctoral committee chairperson, Dr. Elizabeth Holloway. Her leadership and insightfulness, and practical critiquing on various drafts and ideas enabled me to construct scholarly, well-thought compositions while determining relevant research. Dr. Holloway tugged at my inner strength, in the midst of my own personal self-doubt, developing i my competencies. I am exceedingly proud to offer a promising contribution to the field of education, under Dr. Holloway’s tutelage. With overwhelming gratitude, I acknowledge those accomplished individuals that have served on my doctoral committee; namely, Dr. Philomena Essed, Dr. Christian Blum, and Dr. Charles E. Campbell. Their interest, expertise and professional involvement in this project made the learning opportunity invaluable—fostering the revered qualities of a scholar and depositing in me, an irreplaceable sense of accomplishment that added to my academic growth. Each of them, in some manner, has inspired me to continue this legacy of encouraging scholarship and advancing lifelong learners that embody this higher level of academic achievement. Within my professional circle, I extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Evelyn Kearney, Dr. Deloris Ott, Dr. Marvel Ross-Jones, and Dr. Adiam Tsegai for providing the on-going support needed to pursue the journey of completion within my discipline. For endless hours of discussion—engaging in conversations about student (program) planning, onto tracking methods for monitoring student progress (not to mention every topic in between), I am genuinely grateful to Chantal Michaux-Kokin. Her skills and natural talent, untiring supportiveness, and commitment to both students and staff in higher education are remarkable. I will cherish our relationship—birthed from a mutual regard of compassion for others and their incomparable life stories, even in adversity—made stronger during this journey. In my heart and soul, I recognize this undertaking was a product of the extraordinary experiences of a group of exceptional adult learners. Over time, as I learned more about their stories, I became more immersed in my research as it related to them. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those non-traditional students whose inspiring contributions richly detailed the research. I have been privileged to play a small part in their journey as each of them fulfilled a ii personal goal. For this, I am thankful and proud to honor the paths that yielded a culture of academic completion for them. Sincere attention must be given to Diane Westbrook for her kindhearted support serving as my personal second set of eyes as she tirelessly read a vast majority of my work while enrolled in the PhD program. To my “on-call” editors, Phyllis A. Walker and Crystal M. Wallace who assisted me by sharing their gifts—from consulting, editing, and technology integration, to offering prayers and encouragement—for which I am wholeheartedly grateful. With his willingness to assist in executing my (dissertation) vision, I am filled with immense gratitude for Vincent G. Green and Green Audio, LLC for readily accommodating my production and post-production needs throughout the research/data collection process; and, to Demetria Bennett and Vietta Ward, one of my former students for her consideration and talent as Technology Consultant. I can honestly say that each of you have blessed me with your unique abilities as we continue to learn from each other. Legendary American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald once said, “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” That being said, I acknowledge with affection and respect my cohort, colleague, and good friend, Marcia Tate Arunga. I appreciate and value her beyond mere words. To my forever classmate, Betty Lanier Perry; we have been faithful lifelong learners, and I am grateful for her with me throughout the journey. Just as any gift should be given from the heart and received with gratitude, the devotion of righteous people offering their spiritual gift of prayer—on my behalf—makes my heart glad and soul gratified. To Rick and Robbin Cartier, Mrs. Bettye Charles Ireland, and to Mrs. iii Catherine Williams, finally to Kentia and Velma Dickerson, I am immeasurably blessed and thankful for them being prayer warriors over me. It is monumental to note, my strength was enriched by the stories of fourteen non-traditional students that shared their personal experiences and the barriers to success that they were able to overcome, and accomplish their academic goals. Because of them, I had a personal responsibility to continue going forward; and, as a mentor, students look to me to manage through this crisis of bereavement within my own circle and stay on the course. Finally, to all who offered words of encouragement, deeds of thoughtful consideration, acts of inspiration—whether great or small, whatever your part—in helping me complete this journey, I extend my thanks. In Memory of -Louis C. Benton- You started my journey with me; I completed yours by your side. We are still on this journey—together, Lou. -Commodore Coles, Sr.- Your light shines forever in me, Dad; it will not dim. Without any doubt, question or compromise, the hallmark of my reflections in culminating this scholarly journey is the death of my husband, Lou. He faithfully accompanied me to many of the Antioch residencies. Our Antioch family witnessed Lou’s physical decline; and, nearing the end of his life, he was left with little option of moving about independently and iv had to remain in the hotel room while I attended classes as he became too weak to interact with his newfound friends at Antioch. Classmates came to visit with him at the hotel, which demonstrated the sensitivity and compassion shown to Lou during his journey of transition. He was well received by Cohort 9 and thoroughly enjoyed and respected the scholarly dialogue that accompanied our spirited social gatherings concluding each residency. He often reflected on how much he enjoyed developing a special fondness for “Nora” as she extended a special caring spirit to him. I will be forever grateful to the members of Cohort 9 who became a tremendous circle of support during a most difficult time. Shortly thereafter, approximately three months later, my father passed away at the age of 89 years old. He was the last patriarch of our family. When Lou expired, there was a semi-colon embossed in that chapter of my life. As time would have it, showing no favor, when my father died, that chapter concluded differently; and, a period now denoted the ending. My father’s death represented a conclusion of a chapter in my life journey that I will always cherish and hold dear. Both of these admired men—leaders, in their own rite—earnestly wanted me to carry on, live out their legacies, fulfill my dream, and strive to pursue the completion of this journey. And, so I did. v Dedication With Love & Wisdom To My Children— Taheera Nicole Coles Benton and Louis Coles Benton, II My Mother— Bernice Henderson Coles With your gentle, delicate presence physically lingering, you remain the primary influence and heartfelt motivation in my life. Your existence encourages me to move forward and persevere—in spite of every adversity. After being married to my father for over 65 years, and now attempting to thrive with your own health challenges, I seek your strength and courage as you endeavor to press on, even in the absence of my father and your beloved companion.

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