Cindy Veenstra’s Research on College STEM Student success
This website describes the research of Dr. Cindy Veenstra, founder of Veenstra and Associates. She has recently retired. Read about Dr. Veenstra’s research and thoughts on STEM education, student success and continuous improvement strategies to support STEM students.
Continuous Improvement Strategy for College Student Retention
Continuous Improvement strategies such the continuous improvement cycle known as PDSA (plan-do-study-act) and Lean Six Sigma can significantly improve student success and retention. Continuous Improvement requires a learning organization culture, that implements improved teaching and student support through assessments and a continuous improvement strategy.
The Veenstra Model - Nine Pillars for STEM Student Success
Veenstra Model
The Veenstra Model is based on Dr. Veenstra's research. It is as an assessment framework to help identify patterns of student success which can support a continuous improvement strategy for first year STEM student success in college.
“ Student retention does not just happen—Engineering STEM student success requires a systemic approach towards a 21st century student-focused learning community that includes the practice of continuous improvement thinking and collaboration .”
Cindy P. Veenstra, Ph.D. was the founder and director of Veenstra & Associates. She has recently retired but will continue to be an advocate for STEM Education and continuous improvement in education.
She has gained national recognition for her STEM student retention research published in ASEE and ASQ publications and conference proceedings. She is the lead editor of the book, Advancing the STEM Agenda: Quality Improvement Supports STEM. For her contributions as a Quality professional, Dr. Veenstra has been honored as an ASQ Fellow. She can be reached at cindyveenstra.mi@gmail.com
