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Articles 1 - 30 of 102
Full-Text Articles in Education
Editor's Comments, Michael T. Miller
Editor's Comments, Michael T. Miller
Journal of Research on the College President
We are pleased to present Volume 7 of the Journal of Research on the College President. In the pages that follow, you will find a variety of research methods exploring the incredibly complex world of the contemporary college president. Wepner, Henk, and Broege explore a model for understanding how a president can survive in the presidential role, Ruch, Coll, and Ruch discuss presidents and college student success, and Jack offers a profile of Black women serving in presidential roles. In total, we have five original research articles included in this volume of the journal.
Profile Of Black Women Presidents At Four-Year Colleges And Universities, L. Hazel Jack
Profile Of Black Women Presidents At Four-Year Colleges And Universities, L. Hazel Jack
Journal of Research on the College President
While women represent the majority of college students, they are underrepresented in positions of leadership in higher education. The presence of Black women in positions of leadership is even less. This article sought to identify how many Black women are presidents of four-year colleges and universities, what types of institutions these women lead, and their path to the presidency. This research identified 83 Black women college presidents, 55 of which represent some type of first for their institution and, in some cases, even the system or state. Their pathway to the presidency was consistent with the literature finding that women’s …
A Conceptual Framework For Understanding Presidential Longevity, Shelley B. Wepner, William A. Henk, Nora C. R. Broege
A Conceptual Framework For Understanding Presidential Longevity, Shelley B. Wepner, William A. Henk, Nora C. R. Broege
Journal of Research on the College President
High turnover rates with college and university presidents make longevity an important matter for higher education. This paper provides a conceptual framework that identifies factors affecting presidents’ ability to stay in their positions, especially when their longevity is desirable. The framework builds upon 26 years of previous work involving the leadership practices, characteristics, and longevity of education deans, academic deans, and Chief Academic Officers. Four major categorical factors, both internal and external to self, are described that contribute reciprocally to presidents’ ability to last on the job. These four factors—personal identity, professional identity, professional capacities, and professional environment—are connected with …
Presidents And Student Success: Repositioning To A Student-Centered Institution, Charles P. Ruch, Kenneth M. Coll, Cathleen B. Ruch
Presidents And Student Success: Repositioning To A Student-Centered Institution, Charles P. Ruch, Kenneth M. Coll, Cathleen B. Ruch
Journal of Research on the College President
Now reopened following the pandemic, each institution is in the process of assessing its impact and adjusting its institutional model to assure sustainability in the future. Returning totally to the ‘status quo ante’ is not a viable option as some repositioning is required. This study highlights three critical elements that inform this process from the perspective of the presidency. First, significant environmental trends and their impact are presented. Upon analysis, improved student success emerges as a critical driving force in repositioning. Second, an overview of successful institutional programs and initiatives that foster a student-centered institution are examined concluding with a …
Exploring Non-Traditional Presidents In Higher Education, Susan L. Gorman, David C. Hood, Tania C. Reis
Exploring Non-Traditional Presidents In Higher Education, Susan L. Gorman, David C. Hood, Tania C. Reis
Journal of Research on the College President
Higher educational institutions (HIEDs) are complex organizations at a pivotal moment in history (Bourgeois, 2016; Guskin & Marcy, 2002; McGee, 2015). This qualitative study sought to understand the leadership traits of nontraditional college presidents, particularly those with business management backgrounds, to determine whether HIEDs could benefit from hiring them to help face challenges today. Results of the study were based on data collected from eight current college presidents collected April–August 2022. Three major findings and several subthemes emerged. Two major findings were expected: college presidents with business management experience are business driven and turnaround driven. A third major finding was …
Leading For What, Leading For Who? An International Comparative Analysis Of University Presidents’ Leadership Amid Covid-19, Santiago Castiello-Gutiérrez, Jon Mcnaughtan, Sarah Maria Schiffecker, Hugo A. García
Leading For What, Leading For Who? An International Comparative Analysis Of University Presidents’ Leadership Amid Covid-19, Santiago Castiello-Gutiérrez, Jon Mcnaughtan, Sarah Maria Schiffecker, Hugo A. García
Journal of Research on the College President
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique shared challenge for all HEIs leaders around the world. Besides balancing institutional tasks and ensuring the health and safety of the campus community, university presidents were challenged with promoting equity and showing empathy in their leadership. Framed by Henry Mintzberg’s (1973) theory on managerial roles, this study uses in-depth interviews of 14 university presidents in eight countries, to understand how they enacted different roles in leading their institutions through a global crisis. Despite differences among presidential leadership styles in diverse contexts, findings from the study show that leadership roles shifted from securing their institution’s …
“From An Elephant Into A Ballerina:” The Future Of Higher Education From Senior Leaders At Public Very High Research Institutions, Sarah Cathleen Rice Denison
“From An Elephant Into A Ballerina:” The Future Of Higher Education From Senior Leaders At Public Very High Research Institutions, Sarah Cathleen Rice Denison
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The purpose for conducting the study was to identify how Very High Research university senior leaders at public institutions in the United States described their vision of the future of higher education over the next 25 years. Specifically, the study provided an opportunity for university chancellors and presidents to describe their versions of what the future holds for higher education and how they are preparing for that future. A vision for the future included senior leader’s perspectives on three elements of the university: the university’s mission and purpose, academics, and student services. Their experience in higher education combined with their …
The Cost Of Organizational Change For Rural Community Colleges, Randy Clayton Scaggs
The Cost Of Organizational Change For Rural Community Colleges, Randy Clayton Scaggs
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative study will investigate the unintended consequences of implementing structural change in a rural community college in the mid-South region of the United States. Specifically, this study will examine the unanticipated outcomes of merging student affairs and academic affairs into one division. Scant empirical evidence exists about the benefits of this structural change or literature reviewing assessments of the unanticipated financial and nonfinancial costs to the institution. This critical case study is situated in a rural community college that recently changed its organizational structure by combining the academic and student affairs divisions. A purposeful sample, from different levels of …
Advancing Women For The Presidency In Higher Education: Communication Competencies And Gender, Maria Dwyer, Surabhi Sahay
Advancing Women For The Presidency In Higher Education: Communication Competencies And Gender, Maria Dwyer, Surabhi Sahay
Journal of Research on the College President
The typical image of the academic president is shifting, with women occupying more presidential offices at colleges and universities, constituting an upward trend toward gender equity. An analysis of communication competencies and behaviors of academic presidents and governing board members in the context of hiring was conducted via interviews and surveys. Universities and colleges in the U.S. that had recently hired new presidents were sampled. Communication skills were identified as important factors that influenced board member’s perceptions of the candidates.
Student Government And The University Administrative Agenda Alignment, James M. Diloreto-Hill
Student Government And The University Administrative Agenda Alignment, James M. Diloreto-Hill
Journal of Research on the College President
Within institutions of higher education, shared governance is an essential component to a healthy functionality. Among the many stakeholders at these institutions, students are the largest in number and hold primacy. Participation in student governance establishes a sense of shared ownership over their communities while also providing a unique avenue for students to gain wisdom and develop critical skill sets. Senior administrators at these institutions have many inherent challenges due to an organization that is largely decentralized and autonomous. The purpose for conducting this study was to analyze Student Government Associations (SGA) at 8 select land-grant institutions of higher education …
Delaying College For Domestic Civic Service: The Gap Year Experiences Of City Year Americorps Alumni, Christopher John Bryson
Delaying College For Domestic Civic Service: The Gap Year Experiences Of City Year Americorps Alumni, Christopher John Bryson
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Over the past decade the concept of taking a gap year has become mainstream in the US. This idea of delaying enrollment, or taking a break from college, before beginning a bachelor’s degree, has gained popularity, especially as the cost of attendance in higher education has soared and the burden of paying for it has been placed on the student as the consumer. Similarly, the sought-after gap year experiences offered in the private sector are often costly. With the rising popularity of gap years, it is important to identify experiences that are accessible to a wide variety of backgrounds and …
Evidence Of Emotional Intelligence In College Presidents’ Public Writing: Does Their Emotional Intelligence Change Over Time?, Karen Powers Liebhaber
Evidence Of Emotional Intelligence In College Presidents’ Public Writing: Does Their Emotional Intelligence Change Over Time?, Karen Powers Liebhaber
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Higher education (HIED) presidents face a wide variety of competing demands and pressures. High emotional intelligence (EI) has been found to be effective in good leadership, but few studies exist which examine HIED presidents’ EI. This quantitative growth model study attempted to expand the understanding of EI and its source of change among HIED presidents. Several conceptualizations link together in this study to better understand HIED presidents’ EI. First, higher EI has been linked to strong leadership and strong communication. Studies show EI can change over time and EI is associated with certain demographic factors. Further, language, particularly written language, …
Editor's Remarks, Daniel P. Nadler
Editor's Remarks, Daniel P. Nadler
Journal of Research on the College President
This volume includes four articles from some very respected scholars and leaders around the country. Several of the topics cover critical, timely issues, such as mental health and gender equality, and two of the other topics represent growing trends that leaders must address. These four accepted and published papers are 25% of the submissions received this year. We are grateful to the 16 authors who submitted original work for possible publication in the journal and hope that they, along with others, will continue to consider the journal as an outlet for their academic work.
Presidents And The Campus Mental Health Crisis: Challenges, Options, And Strategy, Charles P. Ruch, Kenneth M. Coll
Presidents And The Campus Mental Health Crisis: Challenges, Options, And Strategy, Charles P. Ruch, Kenneth M. Coll
Journal of Research on the College President
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every institution of higher education differently. It is recognized that a return to pre-pandemic institutional life is no longer possible. Presidential leadership is being required to reposition the institution to face this new era. One of the most vexing results of the pandemic is the emergence of student, faculty and staff mental health and wellness as a priority issue. Upon examination, the campus mental health crisis encompasses most aspects of campus life. The purpose of this review is threefold: 1) to illuminate the impact of campus mental health and wellness issues 2) to outline institutional …
Presidential Perceptions Concerning Human Capital In College Student Enrollment And Persistence, David V. Tolliver Iii, Michael T. Miller, Daniel P. Nadler
Presidential Perceptions Concerning Human Capital In College Student Enrollment And Persistence, David V. Tolliver Iii, Michael T. Miller, Daniel P. Nadler
Journal of Research on the College President
With a declining population of traditional college aged students, institutions must find both new student groups to recruit and do a better job at retaining them. One obvious pool for institutions to consider are first-generation students who do not have family traditions of going to college. This population, along with others, require institutions to understand the personal development of young adults and the factors that might lead to their college enrollment. The purpose for conducting the study was to identify how college presidents perceive the importance of human capital capacity for college students in their decision to enroll in college. …
How Faculty Perceive Their Role In Student Learning Assessment And Program Improvement, Mary Elizabeth Spence
How Faculty Perceive Their Role In Student Learning Assessment And Program Improvement, Mary Elizabeth Spence
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Student success is inextricably linked with the assessment of student learning, and the literature cites the need for faculty engagement in the assessment process. However, many issues related to the assessment process may be considered demotivators by faculty. The purpose of this study is to examine whether faculty motivation to participate in student assessment was influenced by the accreditation status of the faculty member’s academic field. Data collection for this qualitative case study included individual interviews with participants and a review of documents related to the assessment process.
Exploring (Mis)Alignments Between First-Year Students’ Expectations And Experiences, Matthew G. Meyers
Exploring (Mis)Alignments Between First-Year Students’ Expectations And Experiences, Matthew G. Meyers
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Understanding what expectations first-year students have for their first semester of college can help university faculty, staff, and administrators have a better understanding of how to best provide support and resources that meet the needs of their students and lay the necessary foundations for their academic and social success early on. Unfortunately, many students report a variety of social, academic, personal, and environmental experiences that do not fully match their expectations. The purpose of this study was to examine what expectations and experiences first-year college students had about their first semester and how they interpreted both alignments and misalignments between …
On The Same Page: Student Government And The University Administrative Agenda Alignment, James Michael Diloreto-Hill
On The Same Page: Student Government And The University Administrative Agenda Alignment, James Michael Diloreto-Hill
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Within institutions of higher education, shared governance is an essential component to a healthy functionality. Among the many stakeholders at these institutions, students are the largest in number and hold primacy. Participation in student governance establishes a sense of shared ownership over their communities while also providing a unique avenue for students to gain wisdom and develop critical skill sets. Senior administrators at these institutions have many inherent challenges due to an organization that is largely decentralized and autonomous (Duderstadt, 2007). Regarding agenda setting, the Garbage Can Model (Cohen et al., 1972) was utilized as a theoretical framework. The purpose …
Student Impressions Of Community College Presidents, Megan Corder, Dianne M. Timm
Student Impressions Of Community College Presidents, Megan Corder, Dianne M. Timm
Journal of Research on the College President
This qualitative study explores student impressions of community college presidents. Through conducting interviews with six involved leaders in parallel roles at two community colleges, the study investigated what shapes student impressions of college presidents. Nearly half of all undergraduate students in the United States attend a community college. These students all hold their own unique perspective, but each impression is shaped by different factors. The study explored what shaped and influenced student understanding of the presidency, what influenced student impressions of the president, how the president impacted individual experience at the institution, and how students evaluated the presidency. It was …
Preparation For College And University Leadership Before The Age Of 40, Ahmed Al-Asfour, Julia Keleher, Sydney Freeman Jr.
Preparation For College And University Leadership Before The Age Of 40, Ahmed Al-Asfour, Julia Keleher, Sydney Freeman Jr.
Journal of Research on the College President
The purpose of this study was to investigate the skills and competencies needed for candidates to be hired as a college or university president before the age of 40. Using a phenomenological approach, participants who first obtained the position as a college or university president before 40 were interviewed. Using Clark’s model of professional competencies as a conceptual framework, four themes were identified from the results. The themes include little to no mentoring at all, learn by either sinking or swimming; being in the right place, at the right time, with the right credentials; having the right education and experience …
Oklahoma Public Comprehensive Universities: The President’S Role In Financial Management And Fundraising, Mark B. Shields
Oklahoma Public Comprehensive Universities: The President’S Role In Financial Management And Fundraising, Mark B. Shields
Journal of Research on the College President
Among the top challenges facing Oklahoma public comprehensive university presidents is the quest for adequate funding of their institutions, including adequate levels of support from state resources. Low levels of public support by the state have become a pattern, rather than an anomaly and statewide reductions in appropriations for higher education funding have had a disproportionate effect on Oklahoma’s public comprehensive universities because they have fewer diversified revenue sources. This pattern has forced presidents to become more adept at budgeting, financial management, fundraising, and finding the resources necessary for their institutions to not only be successful, but to simply survive. …
A Decade In Review: A Systematic Literature Review Of Presidential Engagement In Community College Fundraising, Everrett A. Smith
A Decade In Review: A Systematic Literature Review Of Presidential Engagement In Community College Fundraising, Everrett A. Smith
Journal of Research on the College President
Community college fundraising has grown into a visible area of institutional operations. The college president is perhaps the single most important person in directing and sustaining the use of fundraising activities on campus and, in many cases, the face of the institution. To what extent community college presidents have engaged in fundraising has been explored, but a comprehensive, especially over the past decade, is missing from higher education and community college research. Refereed articles were systematically reviewed to present an overarching lens into empirical research focused on community presidents and institutional fundraising. The study includes a review of more than …
A Critical Examination Of Contemporary Legal Issues Important To College Presidents, Arleene Breaux, Jennifer M. Miles, John W. Murry Jr., G. David Gearhart
A Critical Examination Of Contemporary Legal Issues Important To College Presidents, Arleene Breaux, Jennifer M. Miles, John W. Murry Jr., G. David Gearhart
Journal of Research on the College President
This discussion provides a highlight of the legal dimensions that college presidents must consider in providing oversight for college operations. Many of these issues are driven by the behaviors of campus constituents, but several key legal issues are also the result of federal legislation and involvement in higher education.
Repositioning Fundraising And Resource Development For A Post-Pandemic Era: A Presidential Challenge And Suggested Directions, Charles P. Ruch
Repositioning Fundraising And Resource Development For A Post-Pandemic Era: A Presidential Challenge And Suggested Directions, Charles P. Ruch
Journal of Research on the College President
As the COVID 19 pandemic subsides, thought unevenly in time and location, its immediate and long-range impact is becoming clearer. Presidents are realizing that institutional life will never completely return to former times. Each institution of higher education will need to reposition for the new era. Guiding their institution in meeting this challenge is the new role for the president. Understanding the landscape and its potential impact to the institution, is a needed first step in leading in the post pandemic era. This study examines current thinking regarding the impact of the pandemic on institutions of higher education. Attention is …
The Aspiring College President: A Critical Review, Quincy Martin Iii
The Aspiring College President: A Critical Review, Quincy Martin Iii
Journal of Research on the College President
This critical literature review will provide an overview of knowledge and necessary strategies for aspirants who wish to advance to a college or university presidency. Some of the significant knowledge areas include formal leadership programs, mentorship, leadership skills and qualities, and discussion on advice to obtain such a pivotal and important role. This review of literature is also especially significant for sitting college and university presidents and governing boards who wish to create professional development opportunities or a pipeline for future presidents.
Controversial And Contradictory: Historical And Contemporary Apologies For (A Lack Of) Faculty Academic Freedom, Z. W. Taylor, Pat Somers
Controversial And Contradictory: Historical And Contemporary Apologies For (A Lack Of) Faculty Academic Freedom, Z. W. Taylor, Pat Somers
Journal of Research on the College President
Although academic freedom is considered a pillar of the academy in the United States, little legal precedent has been established to legitimize faculty academic freedom. Moreover, no legislation or case law outlines a hierarchy of academic freedom whereby institutional academic freedom may be positioned as authoritative over faculty academic freedom or vice versa. As a result, many institutions of higher education have violated academic freedom and then subsequently apologized for overstepping legal boundaries, stemming from infringing upon individuals’ rights that have not been codified through law. These apologies include a very recent one, where a university president’s remorseful remark regarding …
Reflective Conversations: Exploring Faculty’S Perceptions Of Reflection To Enhance Teaching Effectiveness, Jonna Lynn Myers
Reflective Conversations: Exploring Faculty’S Perceptions Of Reflection To Enhance Teaching Effectiveness, Jonna Lynn Myers
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this pragmatic qualitative research study is to examine the impact of a faculty development program’s reflection component on teaching effectiveness as perceived by the faculty participants. This study utilizes Schön’s (1983) reflective practice, which calls professionals to move from the technical rationality position of development and practice (theoretical and detached) into a reflective position (practical and applicable). Schön contends that this movement occurs by focusing on reflection in the forms of reflection-in-action, reflection-on-action, and reflective conversations. This study specifically examines the reflection component embedded into the inaugural class of the Excellence in Teaching Program (ETP) at pseudonymous …
Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Compassion Organizing And The University Advancement Workplace, Christina Marie Smith
Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Compassion Organizing And The University Advancement Workplace, Christina Marie Smith
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Compassion organizing has been described within positive organizational scholarship as an organization’s response to pain and suffering in organizational behavior and also the ability for organizations to flourish and promote joy and fulfillment in the workplace. Compassion organizing has been examined in organizational life through the four areas of noticing, feeling, acting, and sense-making. Previous research has focused on business and healthcare workplaces and has shown that compassion organizing is both an organizational and interpersonal social process. Because of the limited existing research on compassion organizing in the higher education workplace (and none with respect to the university advancement workplace), …
Symbolism Or Substance: Factors Influencing Campus Messaging Decisions And Their Alignment With Institutional Values, Laura Herzog Jacobs
Symbolism Or Substance: Factors Influencing Campus Messaging Decisions And Their Alignment With Institutional Values, Laura Herzog Jacobs
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Historically, institutions of higher education (IHE) have been cautious and slow in making changes. Yet in today’s fast-paced and dynamic world of content availability and information flow generated by 24-hour news cycles and the ubiquity of social media present a challenging reality for colleges and universities in their public relations and communications approaches (Sands & Smith, 2000). Creating a harmonious and agile approach to managing these responsibilities against the backdrop of an incessant flow and public demand for information, including responses to national events often with seemingly little or no connection to the institution, suggested a need to examine the …
Editor's Remarks, G. David Gearhart
Editor's Remarks, G. David Gearhart
Journal of Research on the College President
We are pleased to share with you our fifth volume of the Journal of Research on the College President from the National Lab for the Study of the College President at the University of Arkansas.