Kennedy Dalager successfully defended her M.A. thesis “’Woke No Longer’: An Ideological Analysis of State Legislation Targeting DEI in Higher Education.”  Using qualitative content analysis of state legislation, Kennedy’s findings highlight two key themes.  First, a rejection of equity-mindedness through promotion of color evasiveness, emphasis on individual characteristics, and prioritization of equality not equity.  Second, the promotion of so-called viewpoint diversity through requirements of intellectual diversity, politically neutral practices, and free speech.

“Thank you to Dr. Lynn Hempel and Dr. Susana Munoz (Associate Professor of Higher Education Leadership) for serving on Kennedy’s thesis committee,” says Dr. Elena Windsong, Committee Chair. “Thanks to all who attended the presentation today to hear about this timely and important research and for all who have supported Kennedy through her M.A. degree!”

Rebecca Whitten successfully defended her M.A. thesis “Sports Participation as a Social Determinate of Athletic Sex Differences.”  In her work, Rebecca built an impressive data set to explore changes in the gender performance gap in high track and field events across several states since 1979, focusing on whether gender differences in participation affect average performance differences.

“Rebecca’s exceptional work benefitted from the support and guidance of her thesis committee, including Pat Hastings and Courtenay Daub (Political Science),” says Dr. Lynn Hempel. “Please join me in congratulating her on tremendous achievement!”

Maddie Zvalo successfully defended her M.A. Professional Paper “Resolving the Issue of Child-on-Parent Violence in Colorado: A Recommendation for the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum.” In her paper, Maddie draws on her experience working with CYDC over the past year at the screening stage and highlights the challenges that Child-on-Parent violence brings to families and the community. Maddie is currently exploring opportunities in Northern Colorado to continue to do important work around juvenile justice and social support issues.

“Special thanks to Dr. Pat Mahoney and Dr. Charlotte Bright (in Social Work) for their guidance on this project,” says Dr. Jeff Nowacki, Committee Chair.