This has been a long process that I could not have completed without the encouragement and support of many friends and family members as well as my major professor and dissertation chair, Dr. Elwood F. Holton, III. Dr. Holton provided the coaching and guidance that kept me on track. Words cannot express the gratitude, appreciation, and respect that I have for Dr. Holton. My dissertation committee provided support and suggestions that challenged me. I would like to recognize them and thank them for the time and energy that they put into my