The summer-autumn issue of 2026 brings together research on artificial intelligence, career optimism, leadership, education, and the humanistic dimensions of technological change.

Phoenix, October 10, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- The Phoenix University Doctoral College announced today that the 9th volume, issue 1 of “Phoenix Scholar ™” has been published. This journal is a peer-reviewed, open-access research and academic publication. The summer-autumn 2026 issue explores the evolving relationship between humans and technology, as well as the changing world of work, and brings together various perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI), professional practice, leadership, learning, and the humanistic dimensions of technological change.

In this issue, institutional trust is placed at the core of the discussion. In the opening editorial, Dr. Mark McCaslin explores how organizations can foster trust when employees face rapid technological changes, workplace uncertainties, and concerns about autonomy.

The editor-in-chief of Phoenix Scholar, and the deputy director of the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship at Phoenix University ( CLER ), McCaslin, stated: "Technological change not only raises important questions about what organizations can use AI for, but also about how people experience this change and whether they feel that they have a meaningful role in shaping it. This issue connects research and practice around a common challenge: how institutions can enhance trust, maintain people's agency, and create conditions that allow people to remain engaged, resilient, and prepared to learn as work continues to evolve."

Research focuses on AI, labor trust, career optimism, and education.

A new issue features 16 articles that examine institutional trust and technological changes from the perspectives of workplace, leadership, and education. Key areas include:

• Professional Optimism and Future Jobs:"Five Years of Insights from the Career Optimism Index : Shifting Sentiments and the Future of Work" synthesizes five years of research findings from the "Occupational Optimism Index" (®) of the University of Phoenix; " Psychological Capital as a Foundation for Career Optimism" explores the relationship between labor force research and psychological resources.
• AI, Autonomy and Institutional Trust:Relevant articles discuss the labor force development strategies adopted by AI, the methods to enhance participation in the workplace at AI, system-level approaches to autonomy and trust, entrepreneurs' experiences with AI, and whether AI truly represents a labor revolution or merely a disruption.
• Education and Resilience:The research involves the self-efficacy and burnout of STEM teachers, providing inclusive support for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders, trauma-informed care in alternative educational environments, as well as mindfulness and resilience in higher education.
• Leadership and Professional Practice:Relevant content examines the relationship between performance calibration and career development momentum, entrepreneurs' views on AI, as well as discusses credible methods of learning and leadership through two book reviews.

The school authorities stated that this breadth reflects the core premise of this issue: institutional trust is not solely shaped by technology, but rather is formed through leadership practices, opportunities for autonomy and development, psychological capital, as well as people's daily experiences within the organization.

Phoenix Scholar provides openly accessible research and academic content.

Phoenix Scholar ™ showcases the academic achievements of faculty and alumni at the University of Phoenix, and provides a platform for sharing research findings and discussing their relationship with learning and academic research. This journal has now become an open-access publication, allowing readers to read, download, search, and share its content for free; researchers who publish articles in this journal also do not need to pay.

Phoenix Scholar ™ has recently been accepted for inclusion in the open-access journal directory (DOAJ). DOAJ is an internationally recognized directory that includes peer-reviewed open-access academic journals. The university authorities stated that this milestone has increased the journal's visibility in the global research community and also reflects its compliance with established open-access publishing standards. Articles are published under the Knowledge Sharing License (Creative Commons license), and authors retain the copyright to their works.

You can read Volume 9, Issue 1 of Phoenix Scholar ™.

About the Graduate School

The Doctoral College at the University of Phoenix focuses on the challenging needs of today's business and organizations, encompassing efforts to address key social issues and develop solutions to accelerate community building and industrial growth. The college's research projects are built around the "Scholars, Practitioners, Leaders Model" ( Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model ), placing students at the center of a "Doctoral Education Ecosystem" ( Doctoral Education Ecosystem ®), and providing experts, resources, and tools to help them grow into leaders in their respective organizations, industries, and communities. Through this program, students and researchers collaborate with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in real-time in the workplace.

About the University of Phoenix

Phoenix University is positioned to “serve real life” and has a history of 50 years. The university helps working adults enhance their career development and build skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, practical courses, academic AI pillars, as well as associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs that correspond to specific skills. Current students and alumni can access “lifelong career services” ( Career Services for Life ®) resources, including career guidance and tools. For more information, please visit phoenix.edu.

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