Dissertation Defense Announcement

The College of Education announces the final dissertation defense of

Chandra Alston

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

June 10, 2016 at 11:00 am in 115, Browning Hall

Major Advisor: Jeffrey Wilson, PhD

Evaluating Leadership Frames, Employee Engagement, and Retention: A Study of Administrators in Higher Education

ABSTRACT: This study was an examination of administrators in higher education organizations in the State of Tennessee. Administrators were asked to identify their supervisors’ leadership styles. This information was then used to evaluate administrator’s levels of engagement and their intent to stay (retention). Respondents included 445 higher education administrators. Based on the results of the study, there was a statistically significant relationship between leadership style and engagement. Therefore, leadership did predict engagement. The structural and human resource leadership styles had the strongest relationship with all the elements of engagement. Leadership style was not a predictor of retention for higher education administrators.