Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5049-7004

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Labat, Myron

Committee Member

Tharp, Paula

Committee Member

McMullan, Leigh Ann

Committee Member

Moyen, Eric

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Worldwide

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Educational Leadership (P-12 School Leadership)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Teacher Education and Leadership

Abstract

This dissertation explores the relationship between education brand equity and community-economic development in rural Mississippi as a result of a consumer-oriented approach to education and manifested through the modern school choice movement. A survey of public school superintendents (n=28) found a statistically positive correlation, suggesting that a strong school brand leads to increased community-economic development. The Community Capitals Framework suggests this connection is due to interconnected capitals like human and social capital but helps other capitals rise as well. Additionally, superintendents overwhelmingly agreed collaboration between education and community-economic development is essential. The research also examined perceptions of school choice. Superintendents’responses regarding who benefits most were mixed, shining a light on the complex policy landscape surrounding school choice in Mississippi. Study limitations include a relatively lower sample size and a lack of research already in existence. Future research is recommended to explore the relationship between education and community economic development further; especially the role education plays in the sense of place in rural Mississippi.

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