Exploring Perceptions of Mentor Relationships in Doctoral Programs: A Qualitative Exploratory Multiple-Case Study

The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory, multiple-case study was to explore mentoring relationships and student compatibility in doctoral programs. This design offered and explained an in-depth understanding of what creates a mentor relationship for mentors and doctoral students.

The knowledge gained from this study will assist institutional leaders to focus on continuously developing effective strategies to help bridge the gap of failed mentoring relationships between doctoral candidates and their mentors.

This book is a must read for doctoral chairs, academic deans, and provosts at colleges and universities that have doctoral programs as a guideline to institute, improve, and enhance mentoring relationships between organizational, doctoral-level mentors and doctoral candidate students.

Key Search Terms: academic institutions, academic leaders, academic performance, advisor, career success, coach, communication skills, compatibility, cultural compatibility, developmental stages, doctoral chairs, doctoral mentors, doctoral programs, doctoral students, Emotional Intelligence (EI), emotional stability, enrollments, face-to-face mentoring, faculty members, formal mentoring process / formal mentoring program, higher education leaders, identity development, interpersonal relationships, leaders, leadership, Leadership development, matching process, mental attitudes, mentees, mentor programs, mentor training system, mentor/mentee relationship, mentoring, mentoring models, mentoring practices, mentoring relationships, mentors, mentorship practices, mentorship training, non-traditional mentoring, professional relationship, protégés, relationship building, role model, self-awareness, self-efficacy, sense of belonging, theory and model of mentoring

Dr. Kenneth C. Jackson was born and raised in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. He joined the United States Navy, then retired after 21 years of honorable service. He was then hired by The Boeing Company as a Supply Chain Manager responsible for managing and training personnel for logistics, financial accountability, inventory, and material procurement support for V-22's Performance Based Logistics (PBL) Program.

After 11 years of service at The Boeing Company, he was hired by Cecil County, Maryland where he manages and trains personnel for the County's procurement functions adding analytical reviews to complex purchasing requirements.

Dr. Jackson holds an Associate's degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Master's degree in Business Administration, a Master's degree in Education, and a Master's degree in Health Service Administration from Strayer University, and a Doctorate in Management from University of Phoenix. Dr. Jackson is also an online adjunct professor at Montana State University Billing, MT, DeVry University, NY, and Southwestern College, KS. He instructs students in Business and Management disciplines.

He is married to his wife, Tyra, and together have two children and two grandchildren. Dr. Jackson enjoys golfing, officiating college- and high-school basketball, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. He also enjoys mentoring youth in his community to bring out the best in those trying to make a difference in themselves.