Date of Award

Spring 4-14-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Timothy McCarty

Second Advisor

Dr. Keith Larick

Third Advisor

Dr. Laurie Goodman

Abstract

Since 2011, approximately 200,000 service members transitioned from military service to the civilian sector each year (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2016). , 2014). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2018 Employment Situation of Veterans Summary report, 8.9% of veterans were disadvantaged as they have little to no higher education. Without a financial support system to fall back on, transitioning veterans face the inevitable issue of homelessness. Research by Tsai, Hoff, and Harpaz- Rotem (2017) found the rate of homelessness among veterans has increased over the past decade with female veterans more likely than their male counterparts to experience high rates of homelessness or unemployment. Purpose: The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore and describe the transition experiences of female veterans regarding their graduate-level education program after leaving service using the Schlossberg transition theory. Methodology: This multiple case study explored and described the transition experiences of six post-9/11 female combat veterans living in Sacramento and Solano counties through interviews, observations, and artifact analysis. Respondents were purposely chosen based on specific criteria and recommendations of knowledgeable sponsors. Findings: Examination of this study’s qualitative data and artifacts from the post-9/11 female combat veterans indicated three major findings: 1. Develop and adhere to a schedule that includes time for self-care. 2. Know yourself both as you are and what you aspire to be. 3. Identify and maximize the usage of any and all available support. Conclusions: Multiple conclusions were drawn; the top three were as follows: 1. Detailed and specific schedules are imperative for a degree of self-care and selfmanagement necessary for the successful completion of a graduate program. 2. Female veterans must be well-grounded in their own values and understanding about their role in their various communities. 3. Successful female veterans identify and utilize support systems available to them. Recommendations: Future research is recommended to continue the exploration of the transition experiences of veterans in a variety of contexts and situations.

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