Date of Award

12-11-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Kirmanj Gundi

Abstract

Career services have been shown to have a positive impact on students’ academic success and post-graduation outcomes, including retention and graduation rates (Weisman, 2020). This dissertation investigated the role of career services in enhancing graduation rates at an HBCU in Tennessee. This study examined the impact of career services on graduation rates at an HBCU in Tennessee and sought to answer the following research questions: (1) How does the utilization of career services at an HBCU in Tennessee impact students’ post-graduation employment opportunities? (2) To what extent do career services impact academic performance? (3) To what extent did specific components of career services, such as career counseling, internship placement, and alumni networking influence graduation rates? (4) Was there a difference in students’ utilization of career services by academic department? Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a survey administered to graduating seniors during Fall 2024. With a thirty percent response rate, the findings indicated career services were helpful but had a slight to no relationship between the utilization of career services and the likelihood of graduating. Kuh’s Theory of Student Engagement suggests while career services may not directly increase graduation rates, they may still play a critical role in long-term success. This dissertation provides recommendations on how career services can have a greater impact on student persistence and graduation. Further research should continue to explore these connections. By understanding these dynamics, institutions can improve their support systems and ensure all students succeed.

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