Dissertations List (1993-Present)
Bold committee member denotes chair
Hyesu Yeo, PhD (2023, May). Employment Transition Trends among Older Workers in Job Search Activities, Job Availability, and Workforce Development Program Participation in the United States: A Three-Study Dissertation. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Mary Caplan, Christina Matz, Anthony Mallon.
Caroline Sharkey, PhD (2023, May). Digital storytelling and fostering collective efficacy: Arts-based youth participatory action research and constructing community. Committee member: Jennifer Elkins, Rachel Fusco, Y. Joon Choi, Kevin Burke.
Megan Lee, PhD (2023, May). The role of race and income on African American youth participation in out-of-school time programs. Committee member: June Hopps, Rebecca Matthew, Deryl Bailey.
Barbara Arnold, PhD (2023, May). Trauma and the body: A phenomenological study of practitioners’ experiences using somatic approaches to treat trauma. Committee members: Jennifer Elkins, Kate Morrissey-Stahl, Rachel Fusco.
Elisa Childs, PhD (2022, December). Patient-centered medical homes: How the federally supported model impacts older adults’ access to care in rural Georgia. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Javier Boyas, Ed Risler, Michael Robinson
Katherine F. Gower, PhD (2022, May). Exploring an online adaptation of reflective structured dialogue. Committee members: Llewellyn Cornelius, Mary Ager, Janette Hill, Raytheon Rawls
Tatiana Villarreal-Otálora, PhD (2021, December). Latinx caregivers as a locus for adolescent suicide prevention: A mixed method dissertation. Committee members: Jane McPherson, Javier Boyas, Jeremy Gibbs
George Mois, PhD (2021, December). Understanding the role of embodiment across communication technologies in facilitating social connectivity and addressing loneliness. Committee members: Jenay Beer, Tiffany Washington, Kerstin Emerson
Joel Izlar, PhD (2021, December). If we just plant the seed”: Community technology centers, community organization, and ecosocial justice. Committee members: Y. Joon Choi, Shari Miller, Rebecca Matthew
Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez, PhD (2021, August). Juntas En La Lucha: The Lived Experiences of Trans Latina Immigrants Generating Change in the Southern United States. Committee members: Rebecca Matthew, Mary Caplan, J. Maria Bermudez
Shena Leverett Brown, PhD (2020, December). Racism by any other name: The lived experiences of Black social work practitioners and racial microaggressions. Committee members: Shari Miller, Rosalyn Campbell, Zoe Johnson
Tenesha Littleton, PhD (2020, August). The relationship between affordable housing and neighborhood child maltreatment rates: A geospatial analysis. Committee members: Y. Joon Choi, Llewellyn Cornelius, Orion Mowbray, Bridget Freisthler
Jana Pruett Covington, PhD (2020, May). The Affordable Care Act’s early impacts on treatment for substance use disorders. Committee members: Brian Bride, David Okech, Paul Roman
Sunwoo Lee, PhD (2020, May). The dynamics of social exclusion among immigrants to the United States: Public attitudes toward immigrants, immigrants’ exclusion experiences, and the rescission of DACA. Committee members: Mary Caplan, David Okech, Jane McPherson, Javier Boyas
Abha Rai, PhD (2020, May). Perceptions, prevalence and help-seeking resources of domestic
violence among South Asian immigrants in the United States. Committee members: Y. Joon
Choi, Orion Mowbray, Jennifer Elkins
Helen Taylor Yates, PhD (2019, December). Evaluating the solution focused wellness for HIV (SFWH) intervention for women. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Tiffany Washington, Rebecca Matthew
Dana R. Dillard, PhD (2019, August). “You’re probably the first person that’s asked me”: Retrospective narratives of adults whose sibling experienced a burn injury. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Y. Joon Choi, Jori Hall
Yolanda Machado-Escudero, PhD (2019, August). Detentions and deportations in Georgia: implications for Latina migrants, their families, and communities. Committee members: June Gary Hopps, Rebecca Matthew, Maria Bermudez
Christi P. Hardeman, PhD (2019, August). Loneliness and self-efficacy: An online mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for older adults with cardiovascular disease. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Tiffany Washington, Rebecca Matthew
Eunhye Kim, PhD (2019, August). Community leaders’ understanding of depression and its influence on utilization of mental health services: An exploratory study. Committee members: Tiffany Washington, Rosalyn Campbell, Kerstin Emerson
Porter F. Jennings, PhD (2019). The impact of adverse childhood experiences on adult mental health court involvement: A qualitative exploration. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Edwin Risler, Jennifer Elkins
Amanda D. Ham, PhD (2019). A purposefully designed American deaf community: A qualitative study of “space” and “place”. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Anna Scheyett, Betsy Vonk, Brian Leffler
Junghee Bae, PhD (2019). The commercial activity of nonprofit human service organizations: Latent class growth analysis approach. Committee members: Mary Caplan, Kristina Jaskyte, Orion Mowbray, Anthony Mallon, Janelle Kerlin
Lindsey R. Disney, PhD (2019). A multi-method dissertation: Exploring the intersections of immigrants and refugees; employment, unemployment and underemployment; and mental health. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Orion Mowbray, Jane McPherson
Trasie A. Topple, PhD (2018). Adversity and attachment in early childhood education: A group-randomized trial of the Circle of Security Classroom approach in a Head Start Center. Committee members: Betsy Vonk, Jennifer Elkins, Orion Mowbray
Leslie H. Ring, PhD (2018). Poker for nothing and chips for free: An exploratory investigation of adult freeroll poker players. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Larry Nackerud, Y. Joon Choi
Sara E. Skinner, PhD (2018). A qualitative case study of child sexual abuse in a military community. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Llewellyn Cornelius, Y. Joon Choi
Stephen V. McGarity, PhD (2018). Financial capability and asset-building for people with disabilities: Implications for policy and social work practice. Committee members: David Okech, Edwin Risler, Mary Caplan, Thomas Clees
Giselle M. Balfour, PhD (2018). Lifeline: A qualitative analysis of the intervention and reintegration experiences of human trafficking survivors and at-risk women in Ghana. Committee members: David Okech, Jennifer Elkins, Jane McPherson, Joseph Hermanowicz
Gregory L. Purser, PhD (2018). Older adult substance use: An assessment of current trends, treatments, and outcomes. Committee members: Orion Mowbray, Tiffany Washington, Michael Robinson.
Sherinah K. Saasa, PhD (2018). Social exclusion and African immigrants in the United States. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, David Okech, Y. Joon Choi.
Xiaochuan Wang, PhD (2018). Mental health and service utilization among Asian Americans: An analysis of influencing factors using U.S. national representative date Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Y. Joon Choi, Pengheng Ji
Brian W. Simmons, PhD (2017). Coming out Mormon: An examination of religious orientation, spiritual trauma, and PTSD among Mormon and ex-Morman LGBTQQA adults. Committee members: Shari Miller, Brian Bride, Mary Caplan
R. Lee Phillips, PhD (2017). Quality of life among hemodialysis patients: Evaluating the KDQOL-36 and its utility in clinical practice. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Tiffany Washington, Matthew Smith
Jessica Nobile, PhD (2017). Young African American women in a college town: Stories of strength. Committee members: June Hopps, Tony Lowe, Rosalyn Campbell.
Nicole A. Corley, PhD (2017). Shifting the discourse: An exploration of academic success among African American students from single mother homes. Committee members: Patricia Reeves, Jennifer Elkins, Kathleen deMarrais, Deryl Bailey
Irang Kim, PhD (2017). Parental experiences of Korean-American immigrant parents of sons or daughters having developmental disabilities: Stress and coping. Committee members: M. Elizabeth Vonk, Shari Miller, Y. Joon Choi
Kimberly Y. Hoyt, PhD (2017). Foster care, public good, and privatization: A comparative secondary analysis of child welfare performance outcomes. Committee members: Michael Holosko, Harold Briggs, Llewellyn Cornelius, Larry Nackerud
Lauren A. Ricciardelli, PhD (2017). A multi-methods analysis for understanding the intersection of intellectual disability, capital punishment, and social inclusion: Implications for policy, practice, and research in social work. Committee members: Kristina Jaskyte Bahr, M. Elizabeth Vonk, Kevin Ayres, Alexander Kaufman
J. Lloyd Allen, PhD (2017). Parent-child communications among a sample of self-identified out gay males: A qualitative inquiry. Committee members: Michael Holosko, Shari Miller, Jennifer Elkins, Orion Mowbray
Katherine J. Crawford, PhD (2016). Innovative social service collaboration: Investigating the collective impact efforts and trauma-informed care practices of the Athens Resource Center for Hope (ARCH).Committee members: Brian E. Bride, Y. Joon Choi, Jennifer Elkins
Jennifer L. Benford, PhD (2016). Pre-teen students’ perceptions of dating and teen dating violence: A qualitative study. Committee members: Shari Miller, Pamela Orpinas, Trina Salm Ward.
Brendan G. Beal, PhD (2016). The internet, technology, and social work education.Committee members: Larry Nackerud, David Okech, Jennifer Elkins
Stephen M. Young, PhD (2016). Barriers to ethical decision-making for HIV/AIDS treatment providers around the globe. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, David Okech, Paul Roman
Jun Hoe Kim, PhD (2016). Comparative case study of resource structures (information and service) for Korean American women’s breast cancer screenings in Atlanta and Chicago metropolitan areas. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Y. Joon Choi, Edwin Risler, Su-I Hou
Adam E. Quinn, PhD (2016). Factors related to alcohol-use disorders and perceptions of treatment need among baby boomers across the life course: Implications for social work theory, research, and practice. Committee Members: Orion Mowbray, Larry Nackerud, Tiffany Washington
Jaewon Lee, PhD (2015). Analysis of perceptions of successful aging among older Korean immigrants and the role of resilience and acculturation as predictors.Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, David Okech, Kerstin Gerst Emerson
Marianna L. Colvin, PhD (2015). Mapping the interorganizational landscape of child welfare prevention and service delivery: A network analysis. Committee Members: Alberta Ellett, Shari Miller (co-chairs), Larry Nackerud, Orion Mowbray
Soonok An, PhD (2015). An analysis of TANF application and assessment processes under the family violence option. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Michael Holosko, Mary Caplan, Joan Prittie
Melinda W. Moore, PhD (2014). Women in ethnic conflict: A critical ethnography of female combatants in the provisional Irish Republican Army. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud,Michelle Carney, Diane Napier, Ed Risler
Debra R. Lubar, PhD (2013). Food policy to prevent harm or improve health. Committee Members: Michelle Mohr Carney, Anne Haddix, Michael Holosko, Larry Nackerud
Tamara E. Hurst, PhD (2013). Childhood emotional maltreatment and prevention of commercial sexual exploitation of children: A mixed methods study. Committee Members: Michael Holosko, Larry Nackerud, Michelle Carney, Alberta Ellett
Kerri J. Steele, PhD (2013). The evolution of employment and training programs for the homeless: An evaluation of a community outreach response to the one-stop career model. Committee Members: Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud, David Okech
Junghyun Kim, PhD (2013). Factors in productive aging of East Asian immigrants in the United States: An exploratory study of productive aging attributes. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Edwin Risler, Kerstin Gerst-Emerson, David Okech
Hyejung Oh, PhD (2013). Intimate partner violence among Asian women in interracial relationship: An investigation of risk factors using U.S. national representative data. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Brian Bride, Betsy Vonk
Dione M. King, PhD (2012). The role of adolescent risk factors in the development of a predictive model for female perpetration of teen dating violence. Committee Members: Schnavia Hatcher, Brian Bride, Edwin Risler, David Okech
Sung Ae Kwon, PhD (2012). Gerontological social workers and end-of-life care in South Korea: An exploratory study. Committee Members: Stacey Kolomer, Edwin Risler, Anne Glass, Nancy Rothenberg
Jaegoo Lee, PhD (2012). Cultural and racial socialization in international transracial adoption: Development and initial validation of the hypothesized model. Committee Members: Betsy Vonk, Alberta Ellett, Ed Risler, Josie Crolley-Simic
Carol B. Laws, PhD (2012). Credentialing as a predictor of staff retention in supports for aging adults with developmental disabilities. Committee Members: Stacey Kolomer, Brian Bride, Edwin Risler, Zolinda Stoneman
Jacquelyn J. Lee, PhD (2012). Social work practice with trauma survivors: Investigating risk and protective factors for secondary traumatic stress in a national sample of social work practitioners. Committee Members: Brian Bride, Stacey Kolomer, Shari Miller
Meredith L. Tetloff, PhD (2012). Contributions, challenges, and contradictions: Assessing the role of the professional community organizer within collaborative problem-solving. Committee Members: Michelle Mohr Carney, Thomas P. Holland, Michael J. Holosko, Mel Garber
Sarah A. Himmelheber, PhD (2012). Harnessing waste, building success: An ethnographic case study of the Campus Kitchens Project. Committee Members: Patricia Reeves, Shari Miller, Amy Trauger, Cecilia Herles
Sara M. Kintzle, PhD (2012). Secondary traumatic stress in military healthcare providers: An examination of empathy and emotional separation as moderating variables. Committee Members: Brian Bride, Stacey Kolomer, Schnavia Hatcher, Jeffrey Yarvis
Elizabeth A. Gowdy, PhD (2011). Impact of monetary sanctions on impoverished criminal defendants, their family, and the community. Committee Members: Edwin Risler, Michelle Mohr Carney, Jerome Schiele
Omar T. Sims, PhD (2011). An epidemiologic longitudinal analysis on the management of neuropsychiatric side effects with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIS) during hepatitis C antiviral therapy on a cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients: Implications for sustained virological responses and quality of life. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Brian Bride, Christopher Whalen
Marcela Y. Mellinger, PhD (2011). Advocacy participation, structure, and strategy among nonprofit human service organizations. Committee members: Stacey Kolomer, Brian Bride, Shari Miller
John R. Barner, PhD (2011). Life or death decisions: Measuring jury instruction impact on imposition of the death penalty. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Elizabeth Beck, Michelle Carney, Ed Risler
Latrice P. Rollins, PhD (2010). Exploring the experiences of African-American women who provide direct services to African American nonresidential fathers. Committee members: June Gary Hopps, Cheryl Dozier, Tony Lowe
David L. Whiters, PhD (2010). A historical analysis of the initial five years of recovery consultants of Atlanta, Inc.: A faith-based, peer-led addiction recovery and HIV prevention program. Committee Members: Cheryl D. Dozier, Maurice C. Daniels, Ezemenari Obasi, Denise N. A. Bacchus
Natalie D. Pope, PhD (2010). Female caregivers’ perspectives and plans for their own aging. Committee members: Stacey Kolomer, Betsy Vonk, Anne Glass, Judith Preissle
Josphine Chaumba, PhD (2009). The effects of social capital on the integration of Zimbabwean immigrants into the United States. Committee members: Larry Nackerud, Judith Preissle, Kevin DeWeaver
Crystal M. Anderson, PhD (2009). Wounded warriors: Predictors of treatment outcome for male veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Committee members: Cheryl D. Dozier, Patricia Reeves, Larry Nackerud, Ezemenari Obasi
Deborah L. Phillips, PhD (2009). Georgia’s care of a grandchild act: History and analysis. Committee members: Kevin DeWeaver, Betsy Vonk, Stacey Kolomer
Sun Young Yoo, PhD (2009). Immigrant Parental Stress Inventory (IPSI): Development and initial validation. Committee members: Betsy Vonk, Alberta Ellett, Brian Bride
Stephen H. King, Jr., PhD (2009). The development and initial validation of the Empathy Scale for Social Workers: The ESSW. Committee members: Michael J. Holosko, Larry Nackerud, Patricia Reeves, Ed Risler
Byungdeok Kang, PhD (2009). Congregational social services: Leader’s perceptions and experiences. Committee members: Thomas P. Holland, Michelle M. Carney, Brian E. Bride
Kareema J. Gray, PhD (2009). Unsung heroes: An examination of 19th century African American social welfare pioneers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Committee members: June Gary Hopps, Cheryl Dozier, Tony Lowe
Sandra Y. H. Espanoza, PhD (2009). Living with HIV/AIDS: Exploring Latino women’s narratives. Committee members: Patricia Reeves, Brian Bride, Thomas Herbert, Pamela Voekel.
Karen Y. Watkins, PhD (2008). An analysis of stressors, mediators and health outcomes among African-American caregivers of older adults with chronic illness. Committee members: Rufus Larkin, Larry Nackerud, Stacey Kolomer, Ed Risler
Michael Nathan Humble, PhD (2008). Evolution of a virus: Exploring changes on social work research on HIV/AIDS. Committee members: Brian Bride, Patricia Reeves, Stacey Kolomer
Denise L. Levy, PhD (2008). Gay, lesbian, and queer individuals with a Christian upbringing: Exploring the process of resolving conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Committee members: Patricia M. Reeves, Corey W. Johnson, Sharan B. Merriam, Nancy R. Williams
Angela G. Montagno, PhD (2007). Trauma in street children and those at risk of the street in Mexico City: An exploratory study of exposure, severity, and risk factors. Committee members: Brian E. Bride, Larry Nackerud, Nancy Williams
Hilary L. Copp, PhD (2007). Using virtual reality to investigate cross-cue reactivity and environmental cues in nicotine dependent problem drinkers. Committee members: Patrick Bordnick, Betsy Vonk, Brian Bride
Amy C. Traylor, PhD (2007). Exploring cue reactivity in nicotine dependent young adults using virtual reality with expanded olfactory cues. Committee members: Patrick Bordnick, Betsy Vonk, Brian Bride
Sung Hyun Yun, PhD (2007). The development and examination of the psychometric properties of the Intimate Violence Responsibility Scale (IVRS). Committee members: Betsy Vonk, Alberta Ellett, Seock Ho-Kim, Julia Perilla
Terri D. Wingate Lewinson, PhD (2007). Extended-stay hotel as home: An exploratory study. Committee members: June Gary Hopps, Maurice Daniels, Patricia Reeves
Carol S. Collard, PhD (2007). Supportive housing: It’s efficacy as intervention for low-income adults coping with substance addiction recovery. Committee members: Rufus Larkin, Larry Nackerud, Kevin DeWeaver
Aisha K. Tucker-Brown, PhD (2007). An exploration of factors that influence sexual decision making among young black women. Committee members: Patricia Reeves, Larry Nackerud, Juanita Johnson-Bailey
Joan R. Funk, PhD (2007). Practitioners’ views of continuing education: An empirical examination of social workers across the United States. Committee members: Margaret Robinson, Betsy Vonk, Kristina Jaskyte
Jane S. Wimmer, PhD (2007). Experiences of attachment therapy: A follow-up study of adoptive mothers. Committee members: Betsy Vonk, Alberta Ellett, Patricia Reeves
Leon Banks, PhD (2007). Georgia Senate Bill 440: An examination of determining factors of youth who are waived to superior court and the effectiveness of juvenile waivers as a deterrent to recidivism. Committee members: Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud, Schnavia Smith Hatcher
Sandra R. Murphy, PhD (2006). A comparison study of federally funded social work education programs for child welfare workers in Georgia. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Larry Nackerud, Alberta Ellett
Irene S. McClatchey, PhD (2006). The effects of trauma focused grief interventions with parentally bereaved children. Committee Members: Betsy Vonk, Brian Bride, Gregory Palardy
Carol F. Rossiter, PhD (2006). A mezzo-level intervention for the socio-legal problems of an aging population. Committee Members: Stacey Kolomer, Maurice Daniels, Edwin Risler
Hyoung Yong Kim, PhD (2006). Assessing the role of social capital in the community development field: A multi-level analysis. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Thomas Holland, Kristina Jaskyte
Ottive L. Breedlove, PhD (2006). Coping in the shadows of welfare reform: How poor women make ends meet. Committee Members: Patricia Reeves, Larry Nackerud, Edwin Risler
Min Hong Lee, PhD (2006). The impact of caregiver stressors, resources, and perceptions on potential elder abuse: Applying the ABCX model. Committee Members: Stacey Kolomer, Nancy Kropf, Edwin Risler
Bryce D. Smith, PhD (2006). Evaluation of an HIV prevention intervention: The effect of internalized homophobia on outcomes. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Nancy Kropf, Edwin Risler, Miriam Sabin
Tonya M. Westbrook, PhD (2006). Development and initial validation of the child welfare organizational culture scale. Committee Members: Alberta Ellett, Kevin DeWeaver, Larry Nackerud, Stacey Kolomer
Josie Crolley-Simic, PhD (2006). Racial socialization experiences of white parents who transracially adopt. Committee Members: Betsy Vonk, Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud
Alice Boateng, PhD (2006). Social capital of Liberian refugee women in Ghana: A mixed methods study. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Rufus Larkin, Diana Napier
Amaris Baraka, PhD (2006). My girls and spirituality: African American Female adolescents with voice. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Rufus Larkin, Judith Preissle
Alicia A. Simmons, PhD (2005). Differences between grandparent foster caregivers, other relatives and non-relative foster caregivers and predictors of their relationships with the children in their care. Committee Members: Alberta Ellett, Larry Nackerud, Nancy Kropf
Sarah E. Twill, PhD (2005). The Kidsnet program: An evaluation of the effectiveness of system care services for youth with severe emotional disturbances. Committee Members: Edwin A. Risler, Larry Nackerud, Michelle Carney, Denise Green
Christopher D. Jones, PhD (2005). Residential treatment for sexually abusive youth: An assessment of change in functional impairment and sexual interest.Committee Members: Edwin A. Risler, Larry Nackerud, Stephanie Bohon
Dhira D. Crunkilton, PhD (2005). Multiple perspectives on implementation of the internet-based journey mapping evaluation tool. Committee Members: Margaret Robinson, Nancy P. Kropf, Brian E. Bride
John B. Doherty, PhD (2005). Measuring veterans’ psychosocial status in the context of general self-efficacy. Committee Members: Nancy Kropf, Kevin DeWeaver, Stacey Kolomer
Thomas A. Artelt, PhD (2005). A comparison of the academic performance of experienced versus inexperienced MSW’s earning the social work doctorate.Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Larry Nackerud, Edwin Risler
Mary J. Kraus, PhD (2005). The utility and application of the concept of empowerment in social work journals: A computer-assisted content analysis. Committee Members: Betsy Vonk, Nancy R. Williams, Stephanie Swann
Krista L. Barker, PhD (2005). A mixed method approach to accessing the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Committee Members: Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud, Stephanie Swann, Richard Milford
Jacquelyn I. Ellis, PhD (2005). Continued development and validation of a theory-based measure of human caregiving for social work. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Alberta Ellett, Larry Nackerud, Nancy R. Williams
Vanessa M. Robinson-Dooley, PhD (2005). The subjective well-being of aging African American men. Committee Members: Nancy P. Kropf, Kevin DeWeaver, Cheryl Dozier.
Roni S. Funk, PhD (2005). Sexual harassment and disordered eating symptomatology in females: Objectification, silencing, and symbolic expression of self. Committee Members: Nancy Kropf, Kevin DeWeaver, Stephanie Swann
Lesa N. Hope, PhD (2005). A secondary analysis of agency records exploring self-determination as it relates to gender and disability. Committee Members: Edwin Risler, Nancy P. Kropf, Zolinda Stoneman, Jeanette Manders
Douglas K. Jackson, PhD (2004). Factors that are predictive of involvement of detained youth in adverse incidents. Committee Members: Thomas P. Holland, Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud, Dan Hall
Susan M. Strickland, PhD (2004). A comparative study of female sex offenders and female offenders: Exploring issues of personality, trauma, and cognitive distortions. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Edwin Risler, Betsy Vonk
Carole G. Katz, PhD (2004). Impact of sense of humor and other psychosocial variables on caregiver depression. Committee Members: Nancy P. Kropf, Thomas P. Holland, Stacey Kolomer
Christina A. Spivey, PhD (2004). Same-sex couple adoptions: The relationship between beliefs, attitudes, external influences, and placement decisions. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Stephanie Swann, Nancy P. Kropf
Joann M. Thierry, PhD (2004). Breast cancer screening among women aged 40 years and older who have physical disabilities. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Patricia Reeves, Margaret Robinson
Scott E. Wilks, PhD (2004). The relationship between prayer and resiliency among Alzheimer’s caregivers. Committee Members: Betsy Vonk, Nancy Kropf, Nancy R. Williams
Roger L. Scott, PhD (2004). Community treatment outcomes for persons with severe and persistent mental illness: A theory-driven evaluation of assertive community treatment. Committee Members: Thomas P. Holland, Larry Nackerud, Ed Risler
Kenneth R. Greene, PhD (2004). Shared leadership in voluntary multiparty community collaboratives: Putting the pieces together. Committee Members: Thomas P. Holland, Margaret Robinson, Edwin Risler, Alberta Ellett, Patricia Reeves
Robert D. Weaver, PhD (2004). Boom or bust: Analyzing the impact of economic climate on welfare reform in Georgia. Committee Members: Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud, Alberta Ellett
Jeffrey S. Yarvis, PhD (2004). A comparison of depression and alcohol problems in Canadian peacekeepers and different levels of traumatic stress. Committee Members: Patrick Bordnick, Betsy Vonk, Michele Lease
Robin L. Dearing, PhD (2004). Support groups for HIV+ women: An exploratory study. Committee Members: Bonnie Yegidis, Nancy Kropf, Margaret Robinson
Janice T. Callaway, PhD (2004). Continuing education by schools of social work: Levels of involvement and future focus. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Edwin Risler, Nancy Kropf
Eunkyung Yoon, PhD (2004). A stress coping model for older Koreans: Effects of social support and religiosity on depression. Committee Members: Nancy Kropf, Margaret Robinson, Stacey Kolomer
Denise M. Green, PhD (2004). Grady Health Systems community outreach services: A study of program efficacy. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Edwin Risler, Kevin DeWeaver
Laura A. Lowe, PhD (2003). Social work and forensic practice: An assessment of attitudes and experience. Committee Members: Edwin Risler, Larry Nackerud, Stephanie Bohon
Carlise C. Billings, PhD (2003). The effects of the aggression and violence reduction training program on African-American adolescent males. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Bonnie Yegidis, Rufus Larkin
Michael E. King, PhD (2003). Creation and validation of the social work student self-appraisal inventory. Committee Members: Patrick Bordnick, Kevin DeWeaver, Edwin Risler
Tara S. G. Arnold, PhD (2003). Evaluation of an innovative dual diagnosis program: Skyland Trail’s Operation Prevention (STOP). Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Patricia Reeves, Edwin Risler
Joy T. Nellissery, PhD (2002). The Catholic priest: A witness to the seasons of life- an exploratory investigation of the perceptions and responses to spousal abuse. Committee Members: Margaret Robinson, Patricia Reeves, Nancy Williams, David Kurtz
Monica M. Alzate, PhD (2002). The quality of life of single mothers on welfare in Georgia and the 1996 welfare reform. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Bonnie Yegidis, Nancy Kropf, David Kurtz, Stephanie Bohon
Sung Seek Moon, PhD (2002). Multicultural/Multimodal/Multisystems (MULTI-CMS) approach for immigrant families: Structural equation modeling of adolescent perception of conflict with parents. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Larry Nackerud, Margaret Robinson, Nancy Kropf, Seock-Ho Kim
John W. Gilford, PhD (2002). Modeling change in behavioral and emotional symptoms of serious emotional disturbance in children and adolescents: A two-level growth curve analysis. Committee Members: Thomas Holland, Bruce Thyer, Larry Nackerud, Maurice Daniels, Cheryl Davenport Dozier
Hyunji Lee, PhD (2002). Experience of caregiving daughters-in-law in South Korea. Committee Members: Margaret Robinson, Larry Nackerud, Kevin DeWeaver, Adam Davey, Seock-Ho Kim
Miriam E. Sabin, PhD (2002). The Guatemalan refugees twenty years later: mental health in Mayan communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Bonnie Yegidis, Tom Holland, Stacey Kolomer, Elois Ann Berlin
Michael K. Sullivan, PhD (2001). Barriers to employment: The effect of TANF status and earned income. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Bruce Thyer, Kevin DeWeaver, Ed Risler, Alberta Ellett
Elizabeth E. Brown, PhD (2001). Conceptualization of a model to build cohesion in multi-ethnic neighborhoods. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Jim Gaudin, Margaret Robinson, David Kurtz, Milton Lopes
Brian E. Bride, PhD (2001). Psychometric properties of the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Committee Members: Margaret Robinson, Bonnie Yegidis, Larry Nackerud, Tom Holland, Nancy Williams
Bhuvana Sukumar, PhD (2001). Social interaction, residential satisfaction, and subjective well-being among residents of congregate and non-congregate public housing. Committee Members: Ray MacNair, Nancy Kropf, David Boyle, David Levine, Katheryn Davis
Jill S. Harvan, PhD (2001). The relationship between child, family, and treatment variables and family functioning among abusive and neglectful families. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Bonnie Yegidis, Nancy Kropf, Larry Nackerud, Jim Gaudin
Raymond J. Waller, PhD (2000). A correlation study of the impact of discrimination on disposition during hospital emergency services contacts. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Bruce Thyer, Larry Nackerud, Jeff Koob, Katheryn Davis
Laura J. Pankow, PhD (2000). Evaluating a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation program for older adults with visual impairment. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Larry Nackerud, David Kurtz, Ray MacNair, Daniel Hall
Shannon H. Perry, PhD (2000). Seeking sex sense: Evaluation of adolescent pregnancy prevention programming. Committee Members: Larry Nackerud, Cheryl Dozier, Maurice Daniels, Katheryn Davis, Lily McNair
Su Lun Ko, PhD (2000). Working with East and Southeast Asian battered women. Committee Members: David Kurtz, Bonnie Yegidis, Margaret Robinson, Alicia Isaac, Judith Priessle
Frederick P. Brooks, PhD (2000). Children and welfare reform: Comparing well-being in a sample of working poor and welfare poor children in Georgia. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Bonnie Yegidis, Larry Nackerud, Claire Hamilton, David Kurtz, Marty Markward
Christopher R. Larrison, PhD (1999). A comparison of top-down and bottom-up community development interventions in rural Mexico: Practical and theoretical implications for community development programs. Committee Members: Tom Holland, David Kurtz, Larry Nackerud, John O’Looney, Hans Park
Gwyn C. Jones, PhD (1999). Predictive factors affecting health care access and service utilization for persons with disabilities: Implications for social work practice, policy development, and education. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Nancy Kropf, David Boyle, Larry Nackerud, Tom Holland
John P. Shields, PhD (1999). Evaluating the effects of Georgia Bill 100 on psychiatric hospitalization: A time series analysis. Committee Members: Bonnie Yegidis, Bruce Thyer, Larry Nackerud, Barbara Rittner, Lynn Seymour
Tracy Carpenter-Aeby, PhD (1999). An evaluation of psychosocial and educational outcomes in an alternative educational program. Committee Members: Bonnie Yegidis, Kevin DeWeaver, David Kurtz, Bruce Thyer, Earl Ginter
Nancy C. Aldridge, PhD (1999). Evaluating treatment for sex offenders: A pretest-postest and follow-up study. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, David Kurtz, Bruce Thyer, Alicia Isaac, Larry Nackerud
Randy Niederman, PhD (1999). The conceptualization of a model of spirituality. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Jim Gaudin, Katheryn Davis, Marty Markward, Larry Nackerud
Lisa P. Baker, PhD (1998). Social work intervention to increase compliance with home apnea monitoring. Committee Members: Jim Gaudin, Kevin DeWeaver, Larry Nackerud, Bruce Thyer, Margaret Robinson
Laura L. Myers, PhD (1998). Attitudes and perceptions of well-being by former residents of a residential foster care facility: An exploratory study. Committee Members: Barbara Rittner, Nancy Kropf, Bonnie Yegidis, Marty Markward, Larry Nackerud
Patricia G. Moseley, PhD (1998). Stress reduction for family members of emergency room patients. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Nancy Kropf, Larry Nackerud, Katheryn Davis, Ray Mills
Rufus Larkin, PhD (1998). The effect of behavioral group counseling on improving self-esteem, perceived self-control, and classroom behavior of elementary students. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Maurice Daniels, Geraldine Jackson-White, Kevin DeWeaver, Larry Nackerud
Edwin A. Risler, PhD (1998). A preliminary validation study of the First Offender Risk Assessment Index (FORAI). Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, David Kurtz, Larry Nackerud, David Boyle, Katheryn Davis
Cynthia C. Tandy, PhD (1998). An evaluation of a community substance abuse treatment center: Outpatient and intensive day treatment groups. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver, Tom Holland, Nancy Kropf, Larry Nackerud, David Boyle
Sherry M. Cummings, PhD (1998). Discharge planning outcomes for hospitalized dementia patients. Committee Members: Nancy Kropf, Kevin DeWeaver, Tom Holland, David Boyle, Geraldine Jackson-White
Gerald W. Polk, PhD (1997). Development and testing of an automated treatment planning system for clinicians in mental health. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Kevin DeWeaver, Nancy Kropf, Ray MacNair, Ray Mills
Danny R. Dixon, PhD (1997). Double depression in male veterans: A descriptive and comparative study in a rural department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Kevin DeWeaver, Larry Nackerud, Margaret Robinson, Bonnie Yegidis
Sharman D. Colosetti, PhD (1997). Effect of relaxation training alone and relaxation training paired with EMDR on incarcerated, battered women. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Nancy Kropf, Bruce Thyer, Margaret Robinson, Lee Hyer
Jan H. Ligon, PhD (1997). Crisis psychiatric and substance abuse: Evaluation of a community program in an urban setting. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Kevin DeWeaver, Nancy Kropf, Jim Gaudin, Paul Ammons
Anne G. Hicks-Coolick, PhD (1996). Conceptualization, testing, and refinement of a model of self-advocacy for college students with learning disabilities. Committee Members: David Kurtz, Tom Holland, Kevin DeWeaver, Katie Thompson, Marty Markward
M. Elizabeth Vonk, PhD (1996). Evaluating the effectiveness of short-term treatment at a university counseling center. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Bonnie Yegidis, Tom Holland, Nancy Kropf, Kevin DeWeaver
Richard J. Vodde, PhD (1996). The development of a measure to evaluate scorekeeping: A process of competitive social comparisons involving preoccupation with winning and other negative male role characteristics. Committee Members: Tom Holland, David Kurtz, Allie Kilpatrick, Ray MacNair, David Boyle
Patrick S. Bordnick, PhD (1995). Evaluating the relative efficacy of three aversion therapies designed to reduce craving among cocaine abusers. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Tom Holland, Charles Stewart, Larry Nackerud, Nancy Kropf
Carol M. Holzhalb, PhD (1995). Direct practice skills in MSW foundation practicum: Development of indicators. Committee Members: Allie Kilpatrick, Bruce Thyer, Kevin DeWeaver, Ray MacNair, Marty Giddings
MeYoung Ko Lee, PhD (1994). A phenomenological study of clients’ experience of narrative therapy. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Geraldine Jackson-White, Duncan Waite, Jim Gaudin, Jean Kelly-Hall
David P. Boyle, PhD (1994). The effect of geriatric daycare on measures of depression and social support. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Allie Kilpatrick, Nancy Kropf, Bruce Thyer, David Levine, David Kurtz
Timothy B. Kelly, PhD (1994). The appraisal process in stress and coping models: Fear of inheritability, knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and caregiver burden. Committee Members: Kevin DeWeaver. Ruth Weber, Roberta Greene, Nancy Kropf, Tom Holland
Donald R. Leslie, PhD (1994). Board sense of empowerment and board effectiveness. Committee Members: Tom Holland, Paul Gallant, Allie Kilpatrick, Kevin DeWeaver, Ray MacNair
Elizabeth J. Randall, PhD (1994). Using guided dialog in the treatment of depression in women. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Charles Stewart, Nancy Kropf, Paul Gallant, Tom Holland
Richard D. Sutphen, PhD (1993). The evaluation of a multisystemic treatment program for high risk juvenile delinquents. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, David Kurtz, Paul Gallant, Jim Parham, Kevin DeWeaver
Dorothy F. Carrillo, PhD (1993). Advanced standing and regular standing MSW students: A comparison of foundation interview. Committee Members: Bruce Thyer, Tom Holland, Katheryn Davis, Kevin DeWeaver, Charles Stewart
