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Sarah Chase, Ph.D. is a 2025 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

Dissertation Committee

  • Harriet Schwartz, PhD, Committee Chair
  • J. Beth Mabry, PhD, Committee Member
  • Elisa Cain, PhD, External Reviewer

Keywords

Dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, case study methodology, rural, New Hampshire, school leadership, college preparation, college credit, secondary education, small schools, thematic analysis, small town, academic rigor, low-income

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Dual enrollment programs vary significantly across states, schools, and districts, leading to inconsistent college readiness outcomes. While previous research primarily examines differences at the state level, little is known about how these programs operate within rural high schools in the same region. This study examines dual enrollment in four rural high schools in New Hampshire using a multiple-case study approach and thematic analysis. Data was collected through interviews with administrators, faculty, counselors, and alumni, along with reviews of public documents. Six key themes emerged: (1) Barriers to Dual Enrollment, (2) Conflicting Perspectives of Key Players, (3) Benefits of Dual Enrollment, (4) Dual Enrollment Program Weaknesses, (5) Opportunities for Improvement, and (6) AP Courses and Dual Enrollment: Opportunities and Perceptions. The findings show that even within a single rural county, dual enrollment is influenced by school resources, staffing, partnerships, and perceptions of rigor, highlighting the need for more equitable and consistent practices. 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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Sarah Chase

ORCID iD: #0009-0006-0748-1494

Sarah Chase, PhD, is a graduate of Antioch University’s PhD in Leadership and Change program whose work centers on supporting students in navigating their educational journeys. Her research focuses on first-generation, rural, and low-income students, with particular attention to issues of college access.

Sarah’s academic and professional journey reflects a sustained commitment to educational equity and student success. Through roles focused on student support and educational access, her work emphasizes practices and policies that expand opportunities for students who have historically been underserved in higher education.

Sarah earned her PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. She holds a Master of Education from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies from Keene State College.

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