Date of Award
2014
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies
Department
Leadership Studies
Committee Chair
Selden, Sally C.
Committee Member
Cash, Deanna B.
Committee Member
Walker, John C.
Abstract
This study identified factors related to engagement, satisfaction, and retention outcomes for graduate students in MBA and M.Ed. programs at one private Virginia college who matriculated in the early 21st century. Undergraduate alumni presented unanticipated results as they were less satisfied with their graduate experience than non-alumni at this college. In addition, females were more engaged and more willing to return than males in this research study. The customer-driven business model approach is important to graduate students, as relationships assist in solidifying the bonds with students in higher education institutions, and the strength of those relationships ultimately determines whether students enroll, stay, or leave. Institutional experiences and relationships provide opportunities to develop loyal alumni who serve as recruiters and donors to the institution as they perpetuate the relationship life cycle of a graduate student indefinitely.
Recommended Citation
Lichiello, Paula Cornell, "The Graduate Retention Relationship Cycle : the Role of Performance, Engagement, Satisfaction, and Alienation" (2014). Graduate Dissertations and Theses. 1.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/etd/1