Homan publication receives inaugural award
March 28, 2025
Dr. Fenecia Homan, dean of the Governors Cyber Academy at Dakota State University, is the recipient of the inaugural J-NOSS Award for Outstanding Article.
Her article is titled “Exploring the Impact of Noncognitive Factors in Developmental Mathematics: Nontraditional Student Voice.”
She said educators need a high-quality body of research to help make the best decisions for student success, so “it’s part of our responsibility to the field of education to contribute.”
Dr. Rebecca Hoey, provost and senior vice president for Academic & Student Affairs, said, “Dr. Homan’s award demonstrates the commitment of our faculty and academic leaders to contribute to the knowledge of their disciplines, and to excel in providing exceptional education for students at every level.”
She added, “Dr. Homan cares deeply about student success, which is evident by this award and by her work every day at Dakota State University.”
Homan’s article is based on her doctoral dissertation, which explores the impacts of nontraditional students’ backgrounds and experiences on their success. The results are translatable for all ages, she stated.
“Educators think about broader concepts in what are termed noncognitive characteristics, such as a sense of belonging, and assess how to factor that in with placement processes and support strategies,” she said. For example, when considering taking a course online or in-person, students will make different choices based on factors such as necessity or convenience, along with which modality best suits how they learn new material.
Whether they prefer face to face, online, or hybrid learning settings, “the students always have a desire to have connections and a sense of community,” she said, and are looking for support with the course content, but also with emotional support.
The Journal of the National Organization for Student Success (J-NOSS) was formerly called the Journal of Developmental Education, but has recently been replaced by J-NOSS. Homan’s article was in the inaugural J-NOSS magazine. Co-author of the article is Dr. Nara Martirosyan, Homan’s doctoral dissertation advisor.