Defense Date

6-3-2025

Graduation Date

Summer 8-8-2025

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Department

Professional Doctorate in Educational Leadership (ProDEL)

School

School of Education

Committee Chair

Amy M. Olson

Committee Member

Gibbs Kanyongo

Committee Member

Michael Rice

Keywords

Holistic Admissions, Medical Education, Underrepresented in Medicine, URiM, Student Experience, Sense of Belonging, Osteopathic Medicine, Social Mission, Diversity in Healthcare, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abstract

This mixed-methods research explores the influence of a holistic admissions process on medical student enrollment at a mission-driven institution. The study quantitatively measured the impact of various admissions touchpoints on enrollment decisions and qualitatively investigated the experiences of students underrepresented in medicine based on their race or ethnicity, first-generation status, and medically underserved backgrounds. Individual interviews, guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, were used to understand participants' sense of belonging and esteem throughout the process. The findings inform an improvement agenda aimed at creating a responsive and inclusive admissions process that supports diverse student bodies and addresses national public health needs.

Language

English

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