Exploring Dissertation Chairs’ Lived Experiences with Dissertation Students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

Authors

Javier Cavazos Vela, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Valerie Leija, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Alma D. Rodríguez, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Elizabeth Zamora, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Federico R. Guerra, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Angelica Gonzalez

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-15-2025

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we delved into the lived experiences of dissertation chairs at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Our study aimed to understand how dissertation chairs fostered dissertation students’ navigational, aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, and resistant capital. We collected data through semi-structured interviews with nine dissertation chairs at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The findings revealed that dissertation chairs played a crucial role in supporting dissertation students’ navigational, aspirational, familial, social, and resistant capital. The implications of our findings underscore the urgent need for continuous programmatic efforts to bridge the gap between doctoral coursework and the dissertation experience through the implementation of structured mentorship and alignment of the curriculum.

Comments

© 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

https://www.tandfonline.com/share/BT6KYGHYH5KCD9RRHHNX?target=10.1080/15348431.2025.2477501

Recommended Citation

Vela, J. C., Leija, V., Rodriguez, A. D., Zamora, E., Guerra, F., & Gonzalez, A. (2025). Exploring Dissertation Chairs’ Lived Experiences with Dissertation Students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Journal of Latinos and Education, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2025.2477501

Publication Title

Journal of Latinos and Education

DOI

10.1080/15348431.2025.2477501