Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Marie Simonsson

Second Advisor

Dr. Ralph Carlson

Third Advisor

Dr. Hilda Silva

Abstract

Higher education institutions are increasingly relying on funding from the private sector (Council for Aid to Education, 2013) as state funding to higher education has decreased in recent years. Bridging the gap between university financial needs and available funding has become a high priority. In the process, higher education institutions have enlisted their advancement offices towards such bridging efforts by systematically bringing in financial support from donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations.

Funding from private sources fluctuates with changes in the macro-economic environment, laws, and regulations, as well as shifts in philanthropic interests in the public. Alumni giving constitutes a substantial private funding source for higher education institutions. Research that undercovers the motivation and giving behaviors associated with alumni giving can guide higher education institutions to refine their relationships with their alumni through effective communication practices and involvements. This study aims to examine the factors that impact alumni giving in the higher education context through the lens of examining the relationship between graduating students (alumni-to-be)’s sense of belonging and their intent to give at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

The following research questions were addressed in the study: 1) Is there a relationship between the graduating students (alumni-to-be)’s sense of belonging and their intent to give? 2) If there is a relationship, what are the factors of sense of belonging that contribute to the intent to give? Multiple linear regression results indicated that there is a relationship between graduating students (alumni-to-be)’s intent to give and their sense of belonging. Only one predictor variable, perceived faculty understanding and comfort, is statistically significant at the 0.05 level, while the other two predictor variables are not statistically significant. The effect size is small where 6% of the intent to give variance can be explained by the predictor variables. The findings provided insights for higher education institutions in South Texas when evaluating their student and alumni programs to foster a higher sense of belonging and higher alumni giving.

Comments

Copyright 2023 LanLan Alvarado. All Rights Reserved.

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