Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education Well-represented at 2022 Mid-South Educational Research Association Conference: Doctoral Candidate and Recent Graduate Recognized for His Dissertation Research
January 17, 2023
BATON ROUGE, LA - The Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education doctoral candidate, Dr. Nathan (Nate) Hite, was recently recognized for the caliber
of his dissertation research at the annual Mid-South Educational Research Association
(MSERA) Conference. Hite was in the final data analysis phase of his dissertation study
when he was being considered for the award, the MSERA Research-in-Progress Award.
Hite, who graduated December 16, 2022, with his PhD, was investigating the essential
components of field experiences and internships provided by principal preparation
programs that contribute most to principal effectiveness, increasing the likelihood
of public school districts hiring principal candidates who are equipped with the skills
necessary to step into the position with minimal on-the-job training. His research
illuminates the importance of principal preparation as learning more about these experiences
will assist districts and preparation programs with future programming decisions.
Dr. Hite is an assistant principal at Scotlandville Middle in the East Baton Rouge
Parish School System. The MSERA is a nonprofit incorporated educational organization
whose purposes are to encourage quality educational research in the Mid-South and
to promote the application of the results of quality educational research in the schools,
representing Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
At the MSERA Conference, held in Little Rock, Arkansas in November, 2022, Hite presented
his then on-going work in a session titled, “Experience That Works: An Investigation
Uncovering Essential Elements of Field Experiences and Internships within Principal
Preparation Programs that Significantly Impact and Contribute to Principal Effectiveness.”
Hite stated, “The internship and field experiences are an inherent aspects of traditional
leader preparation programs; however, the rigor and purpose of this experience varies
based on programs. Leadership internships and field experiences have emerged as crucial
activities because once in a leadership position, very little on-the-job training
exists.” Given the state’s recent shortage of teachers and consider that principals
typically come from the teaching ranks, Hite’s work is fresh and cutting edge. Dr.
Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, Hite’s major professor commented, “A significant piece
of what is missing from the discussion on principal preparation are both the quality
and extent of internship and field experiences prior to being appointed as a campus
principal. Nate’s mixed-methods investigation is truly significant as it explores
this phenomenon in three different sites, Louisiana, North Carolina, and West Virginia.”
Dr. Laura Hensley Choate, Interim Director of the LSU Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education stated,
"The Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education is proud of Dr. Nate Hite for his
outstanding dissertation research which garnered special attention at the recent Mid-South
Educational Research Association Conference in Little Rock. His research is critical
to our understanding of what works in the School's educational leadership preparation
programs. Congratulations to Dr. Hite and his major dissertation professor, Dr. Margaret-Mary
Sulentic Dowell, for this recognition. Kudos to all the School of Education students,
alums, and faculty who expertly represented the Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of
Education at this conference".
LSU’s Lutrill and Pearl Payne School of Education was well-represented at the conference as Hite and three additional School of Education
doctoral students, two alums, and faculty also presented original research. Those
students included Dr. Denise Shillingsburg Rueter (December 2022 graduate) who presented
“Are Teachers Prepared for Writing? Insight on the Training and Development of Teachers
for Writing Instruction in K-2 Classrooms” and Mr. Constant Mucika, who presented
on “The Effect of English-Medium-of Instruction Policy on Primary and Secondary School
Pupils in Rwanda.” Two recent School of Education graduates also presented: Dr. Franklin
Soares, “Does My Mind Matter Here? Black Male Student's Mental Health at PWIs: A Literature
Review” and Dr. Kimberly Davis who presented two sessions, “White Fraternity Members’
Conceptualization of Hazing Severity and Prevalence” with her major professor, Yu
Chen, and “Messier Than What You Might Expect: Graduate Student Reflections on Conducting
Course-based Mixed Methods Research,” with LSU Librarian and current School of Education
doctoral candidate, Ms. Gina Costello.
About Lutrill and Pearl Payne LSU School of Education (SOE)
A school of the College of Human Sciences & Education, the SOE offers undergraduate
programs for students who want to pursue a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th
grade teacher or acquire dual certification in both traditional elementary and special
education classrooms. Besides providing graduate certification in Instructional Coaching,
educational technology, and urban & community education, the SOE offers a writing
pedagogy minor, and a master’s degree in arts, arts in teaching, education (MEd),
education in counseling (MEd), certificate of education specialist (EdS) and PhD.
The School’s mission is to prepare educational professionals to be leaders, practitioners,
and scholars knowledgeable in contemporary educational issues.
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About LSU College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE)
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division
of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education,
the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development,
the School of Library & Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University
Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18
graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree and/or certificate programs, enrolling
more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,120 graduate students. The College is committed
to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed
to improving quality of life across the lifespan.
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