Kate D. McCain

Ph.D., Human Sciences and Leadership, 2020, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE

M.A., Communication Studies, 2007, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha NE

Graduate Certificate: Human Resources and Training & Development, 2007, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha NE

B.S. Speech Communication-Corporate, Community, Public Relations, 2005, Wayne State College, Wayne, NE

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator

Dr. McCain’s research focuses on the use of narrative inquiry (i.e., storytelling) to explore leader identity development in emerging adults. Through the storytelling process we are able to create, socialize and cope with experiences that influence our identities as leaders. Dr. McCain also explores the darkside of leadership to better understand how contaminated stories can be used for positive leadership growth and development.

Dr. McCain is passionate about the scholarship of teaching and learning in leadership education. By understanding how we teach leadership, we can employ impactful practices to build inclusive classrooms for student success. 

LDRS 1414: Exploring Citizen Leadership

ALCE 3634: Communicating Ag and Life Sciences in Speaking 

LDRS 4984: SS: Toxic Leadership

LDRS 5454: Leadership Foundations for Diverse Contexts

Orsini J., McCain, K.D. & Sunderman H.M. (under review). A turning point: Utilizing responsive interviewing and graphing to promote leader identity through meaning making. Journal of Leadership Education

McCain, K. D. & Marsh, J. J. Nonverbal communication & active listening for interpersonal leadership skills. (2023). In G. Matkin, J. Headrick, & H. M. Sunderman (Eds.) Developing human potential: A personal approach to leadership. Pressbooks. 

Sunderman, H., & McCain, K., & Hastings, L. (2022). “Under my wing”: Exploring the connection between generativity and mentoring through storytelling. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 30(4), 454-478. doi: 10.1080/13611267.2022.2096805

Armstrong, P. J. & McCain, K. D. (2021). Narrative pedagogy for leadership education: Stories of leadership efficacy, self-identity, and leadership development. Journal of Leadership Studies, 14(4). 1-11. doi:10.1002/jls.21724

Sunderman, H., Headrick, J. & McCain, K. D. (2020). Addressing complex issues and crises in higher education with an adaptive leadership framework. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 52(6). 22-29, doi: 10.1080/00091383.2020.1839322

McCain, K. D. & Matkin, G. (2019).  Emerging adults’ leadership identity development through family storytelling: A narrative approach. Journal of Leadership Education, 18(2), 159-167. doi: 10.12806/V18/I2/T3 

•  Outstanding Practice Paper- “A Turning Point: Utilizing Responsive Interviewing and Graphing to Promote Leader identity thought meaning Making” 2023, Association of Leadership Educators
• Distinguished Research Poster – “Exploring the Influence of Meaning-Making Experiences on Leader Identity Development through Narrative Storytelling” 2022, Association of Leadership Educators
  
• Founding Mothers’ Student Scholar 2019, Association of Leadership Educators
  
• Outstanding Practice Poster- “Servant Leadership: Who Serves Whom? Addressing Servant Leadership in the 21st Century” 2022, Association of leadership Educators
  
• Distinguished Research Methods Workshop- “Qualitative Inquiry: Advancing Methodological Best Practices for Leadership Education” 2020, Association of leadership Educators
  
• Parent’s Recognition Award, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 2019 
  
• Teaching Assistant Holling Family Award for Teaching Excellence, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2018