Rude-Parkins for being a very supportive dissertation chair and mentor. Your tremendous guidance has made the dissertation process not nearly as overwhelming as it once seemed. • Dr. Thomas Reio Jr. for guiding me in my understanding of research methods and statistical procedures. Your meticulous reviews of my chapters have provided me with valuable feedback. • Dr. Mike Boyle, whose sound guidance I have sought many times throughout this doctoral program. Thank you for taking the time to listen and guide me through the past four and a half years.