Graduation Term

Fall 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration

Committee Chair

Perry Schoon

Committee Member

Lydia Kyei-Blankson

Committee Member

Jose da Silva

Abstract

This study applied Chickering and Reisser’s seven vectors of student development (1993), MacMillan’s existential framework (2009), and Chickering and Gamson’s principles for good practice in undergraduate education (1999) as guiding theoretical and conceptual frameworks. These perspectives informed the analysis of voices from young adults in rural communities and explored how recently graduated high school students perceived their use of social networking sites (SNSs) in the college search and decision-making process. I developed five overarching themes from the qualitative data: 1) informational role of social media, 2) visual media and campus impressions, 3) authenticity, peer influence, and human connection, 4) frustrations, gaps, and skepticism, and 5) advice and recommendations for colleges and future students. The findings suggest the usage and content created by postsecondary institutions are not in alignment with the interests and priorities of young adults in rural communities. Despite limited resources and geographic barriers, the participants demonstrated persistence and self-awareness as they navigated the college search process, often leveraging digital spaces with intention and discernment. Their reflections underscore a generation that values connection, relevance, and authenticity in institutional messaging. While rural students remain underrepresented in traditional research on digital engagement, this study affirms the distinct perspectives they bring and the adaptive strategies they employ to remain competitive in a complex and saturated postsecondary landscape. These findings carry implications for those who design digital recruitment strategies, develop college access programming, and aim to authentically engage with students from rural communities. This study contributes to the limited academic literature on SNS usage within a college search process, focusing on individuals who grew up with the internet and smartphones being an integral part of their lives (“digital natives”).

Access Type

Dissertation-Open Access

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