Director of Graduate Studies and Research Date Acknowledgments

I must first give thanks to God, for He makes all things possible. He took this kid from the projects and allowed him to achieve a dream. I would like to thank my mother, Lois Williams-Noble, for without her wisdom, support, encouragement, guidance, and her belief in me I would not have been able to achieve any of my goals. I would also like to thank Dr. Pope-Tarrance for her guidance, patience, and not allowing mediocrity in my performance. She pushed me to do my best and it paid off. I especially want to thank Phyllis Gatewood and the office of Minority Student Support Services for their invaluable assistance during this project. Ms. Gatewood was there for me at the beginning of my college career, and it is only fitting and pleasantly ironic that she be there at the end. Phyllis, thanks for the couch. I also want to extend a special thank you to Mark Graves, who not only gave me a lesson in data analysis but also taught me lessons on what it means to be a great person. For that he always stands taller than us ordinary people. Thanks to the rest of my committee for their taking the time from already busy schedules to assist me in my project. I wish to express my gratitude to my soulmate/wife and family who have ha