Date of Graduation

Spring 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education Policy, Planning, and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Orkideh Mohajeri, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Lisa Huebner, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Chris Stangl, Ph.D.

Abstract

This qualitative research study explored the stories of early-career student affairs professionals on their experiences responding to free speech issues on college campuses. Additionally, this studied explored how they were prepared for those responses. This study was important because early-career student affairs professionals are managing free speech issues on college campuses but lack the training and preparation to do this (Duran Leftin & Duran, 2021; Harris & Ray, 2014). This study utilized both authentic leadership theory (Avolio & Gardner, 2005; Gardner et al., 2005; Luthans & Avolio, 2003; May et al., 2003; Northouse, 2025) and Kohlberg’s (1976) theory of moral development to center moral quandaries and the interaction between student affairs professionals and college students when free speech events occur on campus. This study utilized narrative inquiry, and 11 participants were interviewed in a semi-structured format to gather their stories on this topic. Participants ranged in race, gender, institution type, and functional area. Data was coded using both inductive and deductive forms of coding. Some data was restoried to better organize the details of each story and to include anecdotal data that participants included in later parts of the interview conversation. Data was presented in themes with findings exploring the types of free speech issues these professionals managed, harm and negative emotions, the role of the environment, the complicated roles of the student affairs professional, and the types of preparation the participants received. These findings provide important implications for future research on this topic, professional practice, and policy.

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