SWOSU One Hundred and Third Annual Spring Convocation

This is the program for the SWOSU One Hundred and Third Annual Spring Convocation Exercises, held at the Milam Stadium on Saturday, May 12, 2007, 10:00 am. Opening Remarks were presented by President John M. Hays

Tiger Tunes 2013

35th Annual Tiger Tuneshttps://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/tunes/1011/thumbnail.jp

Elementary Principals’ Perceptions of The Influence of the Coronavirus Pandemic On Their Professional Identities

In the spring of 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) triggered a pandemic, caused schools to close, and created a crisis for school leaders. They led during unprecedented times and negotiated an unfamiliar environment. School principals managed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their schools for nearly two years. As principals led through the pandemic, the question arose as to what influence this experience had on their professional identity. Scholars such as Burke and Stets (2009) identified that changes in professional identity are generally gradual over time. However, when a situation does not match how an individual identifies as a leader, distress may be created, and a leader may adjust their professional identity to reduce distress. The COVID-19 pandemic was a worldwide event, and each principal had their own experience based on the context of their school and community. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand elementary school principals\u27 perceptions of the influence that the COVID-19 pandemic had on their professional identities within the context of their school and community. Six elementary principals from Colorado were interviewed on two separate occasions. Principals represented four community types, rural, town, suburban, and city. The findings from the interviews were compared to the scholarly literature on leading during a crisis and professional identity change. This study found that principals relied on existing professional identities, recognized an increase in the ethic of care, and shifted toward shared leadership. During the pandemic, principals relied on existing strategies, beliefs, and values to move their schools forward. As principals spent additional time caring for staff and communicating transparently, they adapted their practices for extending care. Also, when principals faced unknown situations, they demonstrated vulnerability and engaged staff collaborative leadership to problem solve. Their professional identities may have shifted as they found value in these new practices. The findings from this study may support new and existing leaders to understand they may rely on existing professional identities during uncertain times and that their identities may evolve. Leadership development programs can assist new leaders in understanding that their professional identities may shift and the importance of establishing reflective practices. Policymakers may benefit from the knowledge that individual school leaders need the flexibility to respond to their community\u27s and school\u27s specific needs during a crisis or uncertain times

SWOSU Ninety-Fifth Annual Spring Convocation

This is the program for the SWOSU Ninety-Fifth Annual Spring Convocation Exercises, held at the Milam Stadium on Saturday, May 15, 1999, 11:00 am

SWOSU One Hundred and Seventh Annual Spring Convocation

This is the program for the SWOSU One Hundred and Seventh Annual Spring Convocation Exercises, held at the Milam Stadium on Saturday, May 7, 2011, 10:00 am. Opening Remarks were presented by President Randy L. Beutler

SWOSU Ninety-Ninth Annual Spring Convocation

This is the program for the SWOSU Ninety-Ninth Annual Spring Convocation Exercises, held at the Milam Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 2003, 10:00 am. Opening Remarks were presented by President John M. Hays

SWOSU Eighty-Seventh Annual Spring Convocation

This is the program for the SWOSU Eighty-Seventh Annual Spring Convocation Exercises, held at the Milam Stadium on Friday, May 10, 1991, 8:00 p.m