Approved Accepted

There must be ways of thanking those who tug alongside in anonymity without appearing trite. Certainly these words fall well short. This effort would have crumbled without the quiet devotion of my wife, Mindy, who shouldered more than she should have for longer than was right. My children, Hunter, and, Lauren, have no memories of their father, but that he was peering through a glowing computer screen at least for part of each day in their lives. Now they get to meet a full-time dad. I also want to thank Dr. Bonita Butner for rescuing a doctoral refugee. Perhaps I can repay her soon. Thanks also to Dr. Judith Ponticell, who gave precise instructions and comforting encouragement. Dr. Arturo Olivarez led me down the esoteric path of educational statistics and helped me actually understand some of it. My parents, Glen and Nancy Smith, never had the privileges to which I've become accustomed. I completed this work as one in many endeavors to make them as proud of me as I am of them