Education

How University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies Supports Local Businesses With Its Research Services

Research Centers at University of Phoenix can help businesses advance organizational research and leverage best practices. Led by research professionals and skilled experts with years of experience in academia and industry, each Research Center’s team conducts in-depth studies to provide insights into practical solutions for the most pressing concerns challenging the workforce.

Here’s an overview of the three Research Centers, their work and some examples of how their comprehensive services including bespoke research, professional development and industry whitepapers have made a positive impact on business and education in the local community.

The Three Research Centers

The Research Centers within University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies lead multidisciplinary research projects to integrate and deliver innovative development solutions in the key areas of leadership, technology and workplace inclusion and diversity.

The three Research Centers are:

  • Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Research (CLSOR)
  • Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR)
  • Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research (CWDIR)

The College of Doctoral Studies is also home to the University’s Career Institute. The Career Institute® works to better understand the issues that today’s U.S. workforce face and undertakes the annual Career Optimism IndexTM study. In addition, the Career Institutecollaborates with CWDIR and various organizations, such as Jobs for the Future (JFF), to identify workforce challenges and opportunities.

Hinrich Eylers, Ph.D., P.E., the College of Doctoral Studies’ vice provost, said the Research Centers boast a “rich tapestry of talent” thanks to the faculty of practitioners and leaders in their fields. This talent is uniquely placed to help organizations better understand and rectify the external and internal factors impacting desired workplace outcomes.

Insights Into Generations in the Workplace

Rodney Luster, Ph.D., LPC, is the chair of CLSOR and an expert speaker. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Luster led a virtual presentation for employees of the school district called “Generations in the Workplace.” As well as offering insights into workforce generational differences, Luster shared best practices for leaders in the areas of positive integration, communication, understanding and managing each generation’s unique strengths.

Jose Villasenor, a strategist with Irving Independent School District, has shared how Luster’s interesting presentation provided “valuable perception on generation gaps” and outlined how key historical events play a part in developing distinct outlooks and work ethics among different generations.

Promoting Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Last year, the University’s College of Doctoral Studies released a whitepaper co-authored by CWDIR chair Kimberly Underwood, Ph.D., MBA, produced in association with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AzHCC). Titled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Both a Social and a Business Imperative,” the whitepaper investigated ways to increase diversity and equity practices in organizations and examined pragmatic opportunities for workplace inclusion.

Monica Villalobos, president and CEO of AzHCC, emphasized Underwood’s thorough work in partnering with the AzHCC team and appreciated that the paper gave terms like diversity and inclusion “actionable meaning in the context of organizational culture.” She added that AzHCC looks forward to further opportunities for collaborative work with CWDIR.

Upskilling College of Education Faculty

The founder and chair of CEITR Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., recently oversaw a project supporting University of Phoenix’s College of Education, helping upskill faculty in their use of assessment technology. Kebritchi supervises over 300 faculty members, alumni and students within CEITR to conduct research in the education sector and specializes in the improvement of teaching and learning in K-12, higher education and corporate settings.

The College of Education’s Assistant Dean of Operations and Faculty Jonathan Lewis acknowledged the work of Kebritchi and other Center chairs in providing their expertise to the College faculty. He has described the “clarity and competency” brought to the participating faculty by the “comprehensive and modular training product.”

Advancing Organizational Research

John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer and chair of the Career Institute® has highlighted University of Phoenix’s dedication to working adult students and employer alliances to discover the career pathways and solutions that work best for their lives and workplaces. He has noted that the University’s Research Center model provides “a framework that understands the business community,” emphasizing its ideal position to “inform and advance organizational research, understanding and workforce opportunities.”

Learn more about University of Phoenix’s Research Centers.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix helps adult and nontraditional learners achieve their educational aims. The University also helps students navigate the degree programs and career options that best suit them. The University’s degree programs align with numerous in-demand career paths in sought-after industries including cybersecurity, nursing and business. Thanks to flexible start dates and online classes, as well as various scholarship opportunities, it’s possible for anyone to earn the degree they need. In addition, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® pledge to active students and graduates provides the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge. This comprehensive portfolio of services includes resume and interview support, career guidance and education and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

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