Degree Date
7-11-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Acacia Nikoi
Second Advisor
Dr. Jana Hennen-Burr
Third Advisor
Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen
Abstract
This qualitative case study explores the lived experiences of Orthodox Jewish women navigating higher education within the United States. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 13 participants enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, this study investigates the intersectional challenges these women faced as students, mothers, and members of a visibly religious minority. This research examines barriers related to gender expectations, religious observance, and antisemitism on college campuses. Participants reported a complex interplay of community support, institutional challenges, and personal resilience in their pursuit of academic success. The analysis reveals a pressing need for higher education institutions to implement culturally responsive policies, including religious accommodations, flexible learning environments, and safety protocols that address the rising threats of antisemitism. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on inclusive educational leadership by amplifying the voices of an understudied minority and offering recommendations to support their academic and personal advancement.