From Burnout to Belonging

A Sequential Mixed Methods Study of Comprehensive Support Structures for Online Adjunct Faculty

Authors

  • Rheanna Reed University of Phoenix https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5188-3082
  • Jennifer Carriere University of Phoenix
  • Laura Pipoly University of Phoenix
  • Anthony Bennett University of Phoenix

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v29i3.5026

Keywords:

online adjunct faculty, faculty support, higher education, faculty development, communities of practice, sequential mixed methods

Abstract

Online adjunct faculty encounter many unique challenges while continuing to play a pivotal role in higher education. These include burnout, high course loads coupled with long work hours, increased student numbers, excessive administrative work, lack of training, high academic competition, role ambiguity, and lack of wellness-promoting activities in higher education. These challenges could potentially set back student outcomes. Given the growing dependence on online adjunct faculty, delving into these complex dynamics is crucial. This research aimed to uncover the perceptions of the effectiveness of supportive best practices and to explore the evolution of these practices from the perspectives of adjunct faculty, university leaders, and archived documents like policies and procedures. This exploratory case study design offered a holistic view of support structures through the perspectives of online adjunct faculty, university leadership, and support departments using an open-ended questionnaire and archival documents. Thematic analysis and triangulation allowed patterns and themes to emerge regarding current practices' efficacy and pinpoint improvement areas. This increased understanding can lead to enhanced teaching practices, better student learning experiences, success, and consideration for best supportive practices within online higher education.

Author Biographies

Rheanna Reed, University of Phoenix

Rheanna Reed, a CEITR research center fellow, has been in the higher education industry since 2006, has been an associate faculty member since 2014, and earned her Doctor of Management and Organizational Leadership in 2019. Dr. Reed holds the Faculty Quality Assurance Manager position at the University of Phoenix. In this role, she provides leadership and guidance to Faculty Quality Assurance Specialists and partners with college leaders to uphold high-quality instructional practices based on institutional and industry research. She aims to inspire effective teaching methods that support student success and enhance program quality.

Jennifer Carriere, University of Phoenix

Jennifer Carriere earned a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology and conducted her doctoral research on Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and its effect on adjunct faculty. Through her research, Jennifer developed an interest in the power of resilience and how it can be leveraged to lead a more productive and content life by helping people use resilience to overcome obstacles and live more successfully. Based on this direction, Jennifer is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Counseling program and is actively engaged as an employee of the university as well as faculty in the College of Doctoral Studies

Laura Pipoly, University of Phoenix

Laura Pipoly earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hiram College. She then received a master’s degree in school and community counseling from Youngstown State University and holds a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in special education, instructional technology, and distance education.  Laura enjoys research and publication opportunities and has co-authored the book Meeting the Challenge of Bipolar Disorder: Recovery, Remission, and Prevention. She has presented at the national level. She is a faculty member at the University of Phoenix in the College of General Studies.  

Anthony Bennett, University of Phoenix

Anthony Bennett is an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix in the United States, where he earned his Doctor of Management degree. Dr. Bennett has also received a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Troy University in the United States. His 32-year career in federal government includes experience in construction, real property, facility management, government contracting, public affairs, and information management. He has 23 years of experience in homeowner association governance and has served as President, Treasurer, and Secretary in his local homeowner association. He is a member of local civic associations and has extensive experience in local planning, environment, land use, and public transportation.

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Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Reed, R., Carriere, J., Pipoly, L., & Bennett, A. (2025). From Burnout to Belonging: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study of Comprehensive Support Structures for Online Adjunct Faculty. Online Learning, 29(3), 103–129. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v29i3.5026

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 3 (2025): Online Learning Journal (OLJ)

Section

2025 OLC Conference Special Issue

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Copyright (c) 2025 Rheanna Reed, Jennifer Carriere, Laura Pipoly, Anthony Bennett

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