Join our faculty, staff, and graduate research assistants as they share their research findings at two upcoming conferences: ACPA 2026 Annual Convention and Council for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC) Annual Conference.

ACPA 2026 Annual Convention (March 29th - April 1st)

Tuesday, March 31st, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EST)

Event: Faculty Social. Stop by and say Hi!

Hosted by: Commission for Faculty and Graduate Preparation (CFGP) with special guest, Dr. Matt Mayhew.

Location:  The Yard- 110.S.Eutaw Street Baltimore, MD 21201. Located in the Baltimore Inner Harbor @ Camden Yards hotel.

Details: Light food and drinks provided.

Wednesday, April 1st, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)

Session Title: Faculty Roundtable Discussions

Presenters: NASPA Spirituality and Religion Knowledge Community with Dr. Matthew Mayhew and Anisha Gill-Morris.

Location: Baltimore Convention Center, Rm 322​

Details: Join members of the Including Faculty on Religious, Spiritual, & Secular Mattering (InFORM) Research Team as well as CFGP Directorate members for open discussion.​

Council for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC) Annual Conference (April 2 - April 4)

Thursday, April 2nd, 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM (MST)

Session Title: Aligning the Axles: Exploring Financial and Mental Well-being Among Automotive Technician Students at Community Colleges

Presenters: Emily T. Creamer, PhD

Location: Alpine East, Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Abstract: This qualitative multi-site case study examines how financial stress shapes the mental well-being of students in automotive technology associate degree programs at 10 community colleges. Drawing on focus groups, semi-structured interviews, site visits, observations, and written self-assessments, the study explores how students perceive and navigate financial stress, how financial concerns intersect with other life stressors, and how students understand financial literacy and wellness. Preliminary findings suggest that tool costs, low wages, reduced work hours, and demanding academic and internship schedules intensify anxiety and emotional strain. The study argues for integrated, justice-centered institutional supports that address financial and mental wellness together.

Friday, April 3rd, 3:45 PM - 5 PM (MST)

Session Title: Drive to Thrive: A Financial Literacy Intervention in Automotive Technology

Presenters: Emily T. Creamer, PhD

Location: Seminar Theater, Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Abstract: This presentation focuses on Drive to Thrive (DtT), a brief financial literacy intervention integrated into manufacturer-specific automotive technology programs at community colleges. Grounded in financial capability and social cognitive theory, DtT combines a four-hour applied workshop with goal-setting, self-assessment, cohort debriefs, and micro-stipends. Using a multi-site quasi-experimental design (treatment vs. comparison), we administer pre- and post-surveys assessing financial knowledge and financial self-efficacy, with a 6–8 week follow-up on budgeting and savings behaviors.

Thursday, April 4th, 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM (MST)

Session Title: Under the Hood: Examining Women’s Experiences in Community College Automotive Education

Presenters: Susannah Townsend

Location: Moab, Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Abstract: This qualitative study examines women’s experiences in a community college automotive technician training program. Using feminist standpoint epistemology as a framework, thematic analysis shows women navigate pervasive gender-based discrimination while relying on internal strength and limited support systems. Results provide recommendations for colleges to create more inclusive STEM CTE environments.