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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Byron Honore

MPA, MSW, DSW Candidate

Online Student Dropout Rates in Higher Education: Overcoming Student Mental Health and Wellness Issues

Concentration -

  • Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
  • 2:30 pm
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Abstract

Higher education has experienced significant transformations, particularly with the rise of online learning. This evolution can be traced back to the establishment of Harvard College in 1636, leading up to the introduction of fully online degree programs by the University of Phoenix in 1989. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge the often-overlooked impact of mental health on student retention, as a considerable number of college students face mental health challenges during their transitional years. Despite advancements in online education, high dropout rates remain a pressing issue, a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which abruptly forced students into remote learning. Chronic stress and untreated mental health disorders are significant contributors to these dropout rates, particularly in the online learning environment. Consequently, there is a critical need for higher education institutions to prioritize mental health and well-being as fundamental components of student success in online settings. Recent literature highlights the intricate relationship between supportive relationships and student mental health, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues.

Biography

Byron Honore is a Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor with the Indian Health Service in Virginia. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Southern Virginia University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina – Pembroke, and a Master of Social Work from East Carolina University. He is a Doctor of Social Work candidate at the University of Kentucky with a concentration in social work education. Mr. Honore’s research interests include the application of Martin Burber’s existentialism to improving online student mental health and well-being and reducing dropout rates in online higher education. His capstone focuses on improving social work competencies in utilizing student-to-student and instructor-to-student relationships to improve online student mental health and wellbeing.
Mr. Honore is an Adjunct Online Instructor who teaches an online Child Welfare course at Brigham Young University-Idaho. As a dedicated social work practitioner and educator, he strongly emphasizes the significance of personal experience in comprehending the complexities of human life. His primary objective is to cultivate a deep sense of empathy, cultural competence, and an appreciation for the transformative potential of human relationships in his patients and students. He actively advocates for their educational and mental health success, championing their rights and well-being. Driven by a passion for education, he is committed to guiding and uplifting students as they face the challenges and obstacles often accompanying their journey through higher education. Through thoughtful mentorship and support, he strives to empower them to thrive both academically and personally.