Saint Francis University 2026 Executive Doctorate Students Complete Dissertation Milestone

Saint Francis University celebrates the 2026 Ed.D. graduating class (Aggiornamento Cohort) on the successful completion of their dissertations, a significant milestone in the Executive Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Innovation program.

Dissertation completion represents the culminating achievement of the doctoral journey, requiring students to design, research, and present original work that addresses real-world challenges within their organizations and industries. Through Saint Francis University’s integrated dissertation model, students develop their research throughout the program, allowing them to reach this milestone with work that is both rigorous and immediately applicable.

Each completed dissertation reflects a commitment to advancing leadership practice through evidence-based solutions. Topics span a range of sectors—including education, healthcare, business, and nonprofit leadership—demonstrating the broad impact of the program’s scholar-practitioners.

The continued success of the Executive Doctorate program highlights Saint Francis University’s commitment to preparing ethical, forward-thinking leaders. As each cohort completes this milestone, they not only earn a terminal degree—they advance a model of leadership rooted in purpose, innovation, and impact. 

2026 Ed.D. Graduates, Dissertation Titles, and Committees

Dr. Susan Bosnick-Sinift 
Is Mutual Obligation and Respect Relevant in High-Quality Relationships? Exploring Psychological Safety and Trust as Key Elements of the LMX Theory High-Quality Relationship 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Patrick Crawford (chair), Dr. Leah Spangler, Dr. Thomas Butler

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Yancosek Gamble 
The Journey to the “She” Suite: How Did She Get There? Skills and Stories from Women in Higher Education Administration in Appalachia on Mentorship and Developmental Networks 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Patrick Crawford (chair), Dr. Tricia McFadden, Dr. Danielle Mehlmann Brightwell, Dr. Matthew Thomas

Sarah Gerber
Colliding Truths, Shared Growth: A Case Study of Mentoring, Reverse Mentoring, and Institutional Readiness Across Generations 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Aspen Mock (chair), Dr. Tamara Willis, Dr. Kent Tonkin

Allison Grindle 
The Influence of Leadership Traits and School Culture on College Graduation Rates 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Pete Skoner, Ms. Brooke Good

David Kasievich 
Community-Centric Fundraising: The Opportunities and Resistance in NativityMiguel Coalition Schools 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Leah Spangler (chair), Dr. Matthew Thomas, Ms. Jennifer Shropshire

Bridget Kozar 
Virtual Voices: A Quantitative Study to Understand the Experiences That Influence Teacher Retention in Online K–12 Schools 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Pete Skoner (chair), Dr. Cassie Grassmyer, Dr. Katy Gionvinsci

Erin Riggi 
Making a Masterpiece: Integrating Art History into Core Curriculum for Career and College Readiness 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Brennan Thomas, Ms. Maureen Vissat

Shannon Scanlan 
Factors Driving Sustained Volunteerism in the American Physical Therapy Association 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Brennan Thomas (chair), Dr. Mark Buckwalter, Dr. Lori Bordenave

Nicole Sliko
Gendered Dynamics and Experiences in Predominantly Female Workplaces 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Leah Spangler (chair), Dr. Tamara Willis, Dr. Jason Moore

Jeffrey Truhan 
An Exploration of Self-Agency in Relation to Early-Career Primary Care Physicians’ Unwillingness to Self-Report Medical Errors in Outpatient Settings 
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Kellie Hobbs, Dr. Raghavendra Tirupathi