Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Kourtney Nieves

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, institutes of higher learning (IHLs) in the southeastern United States have endured natural disasters that have caused flooding, water, and wind damage and resulted in student evacuations, class disruptions, and building damage. IHLs are further challenged with resuming campus operations despite the emotional impact resulting after a natural disaster occurs. There is limited research relative to the experiences of campus leadership who share the responsibility of keeping students, visitors, and university artifacts safe during and after a hurricane-related event. This research study served as a qualitative phenomenological assessment of campus leadership experiences during a post-hurricane-related event at hurricane vulnerable universities. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 members of university campus leadership who had been designated as campus first responders. Colaizzi’s data analysis method was used to analyze the data provided by participants regarding experiences with recent Hurricanes Florence and Dorian. Analysis indicated that participants believe there is a strong support network among leadership and campus first responders, and relationships between departments and community organizations are continuously being improved. Further while challenges exist, universities are continuously working on improving their emergency response structure. The results of this study have potential implications for positive social change that include gathering interventions and techniques used for the successful execution of emergency management plans to further assist neighboring communities.

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