The Leadership Studies Department congratulates the following Leadership PhD students on the successful defense of their doctoral dissertations:
Lisa C. Luken
Dissertation defense date
02/25/2026
Dissertation title
Exploring the Value of International Research Experience for Leadership Development
Dissertation committee
Committee Chair: Elizabeth Goryunova, Ph.D.
Members: Daniel Jenkins, Ph.D., Paul Caron, Ph.D., and Alice Veazey, Ph.D.
The study explored the lived experiences of students who participated in an international graduate student research program from a leadership development perspective. It offers guidance for strengthening current and future academic, organizational, and community initiatives that foster the development of skills and competencies essential for navigating complex, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary challenges.
Amanda R. Neuts
Dissertation defense date
03/04/2026
Dissertation title
From Words to Growth: Exploring Employee Perceptions of How Organizational Culture Shapes Effective Feedback Experiences
Dissertation committee
Committee Chair: Elizabeth Fisher Turesky, Ph.D.
Members: Elizabeth Goryunova, Ph.D., Daniel Jenkins, Ph.D., Carol Nemeroff, Ph.D.
This study explored employee perceptions of how organizational culture shapes feedback experiences and their impact on professional development, satisfaction, and engagement. It offers practical guidance for designing feedback systems that support learning and engagement.
