"A passion to mold young people:" A mixed-methods study of Iowa community college athletics coaches' profile characteristics

Abstract

Teachers have been a tremendously influential force in my life, and I cannot think of better teachers to guide me to this terminal educational goal. I would also like to thank Dr. Larry Ebbers, an important mentor, who helped me at the genesis of this research project and Dr. Yu Chen and Dr. Soko Starobin who provided me with methodological guidance and helped form my approach. This study would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of Iowa community college presidents, administrators, and of course coaches who all helped in the pilot process and provided feedback and inspiration to pursue this study. My first teachers were my parents, and without their teaching, along with unconditional support and encouragement, I would not be on this path that I have taken or be the person and professional that I am. I also need to thank my wife, Aurelia, who as someone who has been through this process and is an educational researcher, has been a valuable source of ideas and feedback when I needed it. Additionally, my son, Edwin, has been essential. The daily afternoon breaks to play catch and evening breaks to read about Harry Potter's adventures did not take time away from writing this dissertation. Rather, it helped keep my sanity and focus and helped keep me centered on what is truly important.