ii BABY BOOMERS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: A STUDY OF MOTIVATIONS

This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, Oscar and Lillie Hembree, who instilled in me a love of learning. I am thankful that my father is here to help me celebrate this milestone. Even though my mother is not here, I know she is smiling on me from heaven and is so very proud. I want to say a special thank you to Dr. Robert Nolan. This idea began with a paper I wrote in his class, and I appreciate his support and encouragement throughout this process. I also want to thank my committee: Dr. Gary Conti, Dr. Lynna Ausburn and Dr. Bernita Krumm. I appreciate all of your enthusiasm, suggestions, patience and constructive criticism. Dr. Conti also deserves an extra dose of thanks. He is the one who encouraged me to take some classes at a time when I was searching for a new opportunity. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I have never regretted taking the path. A round of thanks goes to the faculty at the community college who enthusiastically helped me to find students. And, to the students I interviewed, I thank them for sharing their stories, and am honored they discussed their hopes and dreams with me. I wish them all the best in their endeavors