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Richard Alan Doty, Ph.D. is a 2025 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

alan doty committee

Alan Doty at his Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Daniel Diaz-Reyes, Committee Chair, Dr. Diane Richard-Allerdyce, Committee Member, Dr. Axil Cricchio, Committee Member

Dissertation Committee

  • Daniel Diaz-Reyes, JD, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Diane Richard-Allerdyce, PhD, Committee Member
  • Axil Cricchio, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

leadership development, student organization, community college, student engagement, student club, student leadership, co-curricular, professional skills

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Previous studies on the topic of student organizations and clubs often focused on the broad involvement of students, overlooking the complex facets of their experiences within these clubs and organizations. This dissertation investigates the development of leadership capacity in community college students through their engagement in student clubs and organizations. Utilizing the Ready-Willing-Able (RWA) Keating, Rosch and Burgoon (2014) model as a guiding framework, this study explores the ways in which student leadership skills are shaped by various factors, including the size and diversity of the organization and individual behaviors. The research aims to fill a gap in existing literature, which predominantly focuses on four-year institutions. The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative survey with a qualitative interview among students who attend a two-year community college. The research highlights the significant role of co-curricular activities in fostering leadership qualities that extend beyond the traditional academic coursework. The dissertation underscores the importance of longitudinal studies, deeper exploration of task behaviors, and consideration of different factors in enhancing understanding of leadership development within student organizations. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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alan doty

Alan Doty

ORCID: #0009-0005-7383-9258

Richard “Alan” Doty Jr. has over two decades of experience in higher education, Alan has dedicated his career to advancing student development through leadership education, community engagement, and meaningful co-curricular experiences. His work has centered on empowering students to find their voice, build confidence, and take on leadership roles that create lasting impact on their campuses and beyond.

Alan’s passion for leadership was sparked early in life through Scouting, where he developed a deep sense of service and responsibility that ultimately led him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. This foundation of servant leadership has remained central to his personal and professional philosophy, guiding his efforts to inspire students to become changemakers within their communities.

Alan holds a B.A. in Political Science from Johnson State College, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Vermont University, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Nebraska. These academic experiences have equipped him with a broad understanding of student development, educational systems, and leadership theory, tools he uses daily to mentor and empower student leaders. Recently, Alan earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.

Throughout his collegiate experience, Alan was deeply involved in student clubs and organizations. That involvement was not just extracurricular; it was transformational. From student government to service initiatives, these experiences ignited his enduring commitment to student leadership and ultimately inspired the focus of his doctoral dissertation. His research explores how involvement in student organizations shapes students' leadership identity, motivation, and capacity.

Today, Alan continues to champion student voice and engagement as a vital part of the college experience. He believes leadership is not defined by position, but by action, growth, and impact. He remains passionate about helping students realize their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.

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