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Full-Text Articles in Higher Education Administration

Leadership Lessons For Aspiring College Presidents: Essential Tools, Skills, And Strategies For Success, Quincy Martin Iii Dec 2024

Leadership Lessons For Aspiring College Presidents: Essential Tools, Skills, And Strategies For Success, Quincy Martin Iii

Journal of Research on the College President

College and university presidents today face an increasingly complex set of challenges, demanding not only traditional leadership skills but also a nuanced understanding of the unique dynamics in higher education. With heightened financial pressures, technological advances, and evolving student expectations, college presidents must be equipped with the right tools, skills, and strategies to navigate their roles successfully. This article explores leadership lessons for aspiring college presidents, providing a comprehensive overview of the essential competencies required to lead effectively. Drawing from recent leadership theory, case studies, and trends in higher education, this article offers practical guidance for current and future higher …

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Editor's Comments, Michael T. Miller Dec 2024

Editor's Comments, Michael T. Miller

Journal of Research on the College President

Welcome to Volume 8 of the Journal of Research on the College President. In this volume, you will find three exceptional studies that help provide an even stronger understanding of what has been described as one of the hardest jobs in not only in higher education, but in the country. These three articles were accepted through our peer review process, and this year we had 11 submissions, resulting in a 27% acceptance rate.

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Black Like Me: Black College Student Perceptions Of Racially Similar College Presidents, David V. Tolliver Iii, Michael T. Miller, Jennifer M. Miles Dec 2024

Black Like Me: Black College Student Perceptions Of Racially Similar College Presidents, David V. Tolliver Iii, Michael T. Miller, Jennifer M. Miles

Journal of Research on the College President

There is a strong interest in higher education to enroll a diverse student body, including groups from historically underrepresented populations. This is particularly true within the Black American community, where Black women have increased their presence in higher education yet Black men continue to account for only a small fraction of all college enrollment. To help increase the enrollment of Black men, some institutions have explored and put into place mentoring programs and have looked to symbolically demonstrate that higher education is a welcoming place by spotlighting college presidents who share similar demographic characteristics. The current study was designed to …

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Leading Through Language: Understanding How Presidential Leaders At Faith-Based Institutions Issue Sensegiving Statements Within A Social Justice Context, Benjamin Gibbs Dec 2024

Leading Through Language: Understanding How Presidential Leaders At Faith-Based Institutions Issue Sensegiving Statements Within A Social Justice Context, Benjamin Gibbs

Journal of Research on the College President

The landscape of leadership in higher education is becoming increasingly complex (Gagliardi et al., 2017; Jaschik & Lederman, 2016; Wesley et al., 2021). Significant instances of racial violence and geopolitical unrest have instigated conversations and ongoing movements towards greater social justice in American society and on university campuses. With these movements, higher education leaders at faith-based institutions have been called on to communicate and lead within a social justice context, through the act of sensegiving. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives and roles of presidential leaders who have provided communication regarding social justice topics. The purpose of the study was …

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Exploring The Impact Of Generative Ai Prompt Engineering In Higher Education: A Study In Undergraduate And Graduate Business Analytics Courses, Jana Gastineau Dec 2024

Exploring The Impact Of Generative Ai Prompt Engineering In Higher Education: A Study In Undergraduate And Graduate Business Analytics Courses, Jana Gastineau

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) presents a transformative opportunity in higher education, offering new pathways for learning through personalized feedback, interactive environments, and support for complex tasks. This quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of targeted GenAI prompt engineering instruction on knowledge acquisition, prompt writing skills, and confidence levels among undergraduate and graduate students in business analytics courses at a research university. A pre-test and post-test design measured changes across knowledge acquisition, prompt writing proficiency, and GenAI confidence and usage. Findings revealed a mixed impact on knowledge acquisition, with undergraduates showing minor improvements and graduate students experiencing declines …

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Parallel Degree Planning In The Pursuit Of Academic Success For Pre-Nursing Students In A Competitive Entry Baccalaureate Nursing Programs, Elizabeth L. Mckinley Aug 2024

Parallel Degree Planning In The Pursuit Of Academic Success For Pre-Nursing Students In A Competitive Entry Baccalaureate Nursing Programs, Elizabeth L. Mckinley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to understand the student perceptions of parallel academic degree planning for the competitive entry undergraduate Nursing program at a case study university. Parallel degree planning is a relatively new term of alternative curricular planning. The qualitative study includes nine students and their experiences in planning for their intended major while simultaneously planning courses that meet another major or degree program, and understanding how parallel degree planning aided their retention and student satisfaction as well as their academic advisor interaction. The study was completed at a research university where the Nursing program has a very lower acceptance rate, …

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Ꮝꮘꮝꮩꮝꮣꭲ Ꭴᏸꭷꭲ Ꮢꭹ Ꭲꮎꭸ Ꭱꭿ: Reclamation Stories Of Indigenous Graduate Students At A Native American Serving Nontribal Institution, Sky B. Wildcat May 2024

Ꮝꮘꮝꮩꮝꮣꭲ Ꭴᏸꭷꭲ Ꮢꭹ Ꭲꮎꭸ Ꭱꭿ: Reclamation Stories Of Indigenous Graduate Students At A Native American Serving Nontribal Institution, Sky B. Wildcat

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The experiences of Indigenous graduate students in higher education are underrecognized in research and scholarship. Similarly, the experiences of Indigenous students, undergraduate or graduate, within Native American Serving NonTribal Institutions (NASNTIs) are largely excluded from research and scholarship. Although NASNTI designation is only dependent on the Indigenous undergraduate student population at an institution, the stories shared through this research signify the importance of considering Indigenous graduate students experiences at a NASNTI. The conceptual framework consisted of four core foundations as outlined by Kovach (2021), including ᎦᏚᏩ (ga-du-wa) knowledge, relational accountability, the Indigenous community of the NASNTI, and the situating of …

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Organization Of Change: The Journey From Probation To A Successful Accreditation Review, Erin Dail May 2024

Organization Of Change: The Journey From Probation To A Successful Accreditation Review, Erin Dail

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Regional accreditation, seen as a necessary hurdle by many in higher education, is required to participate in Title IV funding. However, several studies indicate that the current accreditation process is broken. Institutions with more resources, both in staffing and funding, and more academically ready students are at an advantage for favorable accreditation outcomes. Those institutions serving the most at-risk students rely on Title IV funding the most and may be participating in a process in which they are less likely to succeed. This study seeks to explore the experiences of Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALOs) at Higher Learning Commission (HLC)-accredited community …

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Editor's Comments, Michael T. Miller Dec 2023

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.

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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 Dec 2023

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 …

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Exploring Non-Traditional Presidents In Higher Education, Susan L. Gorman, David C. Hood, Tania C. Reis Dec 2023

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 …

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Presidents And Student Success: Repositioning To A Student-Centered Institution, Charles P. Ruch, Kenneth M. Coll, Cathleen B. Ruch Dec 2023

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 …

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A Conceptual Framework For Understanding Presidential Longevity, Shelley B. Wepner, William A. Henk, Nora C. R. Broege Dec 2023

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 …

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Profile Of Black Women Presidents At Four-Year Colleges And Universities, L. Hazel Jack Dec 2023

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 …

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“From An Elephant Into A Ballerina:” The Future Of Higher Education From Senior Leaders At Public Very High Research Institutions, Sarah Cathleen Rice Denison May 2023

“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 …

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The Cost Of Organizational Change For Rural Community Colleges, Randy Clayton Scaggs May 2023

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 …

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’We Didn’T Think It Would Be Well Received’: The Gay Alliance Of Students’ Legal Victory Over Virginia Commonwealth University, 1974–1976, Michael S. Hevel, Timothy Reese Cain Jan 2023

’We Didn’T Think It Would Be Well Received’: The Gay Alliance Of Students’ Legal Victory Over Virginia Commonwealth University, 1974–1976, Michael S. Hevel, Timothy Reese Cain

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications and Presentations

In 1974, a group of college students attempted to undertake the simple act of registering an official student organization at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In contrast to every other student group that had sought such status, the group, the Gay Alliance of Students (GAS), was denied registration. They were denied because the group was composed of LGBTQI+ students who wanted to promote the well-being and understanding of themselves and other LGBTQI+ individuals on campus. This article examines the founding, experience, and legal battles of GAS, an important organization in both the history of LGBTQI+ students and the history of LGBTQI+ …

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Student Government And The University Administrative Agenda Alignment, James M. Diloreto-Hill Dec 2022

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 …

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Editor's Remarks, Daniel P. Nadler Dec 2022

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.

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Presidential Perceptions Concerning Human Capital In College Student Enrollment And Persistence, David V. Tolliver Iii, Michael T. Miller, Daniel P. Nadler Dec 2022

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. …

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Presidents And The Campus Mental Health Crisis: Challenges, Options, And Strategy, Charles P. Ruch, Kenneth M. Coll Dec 2022

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 …

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Advancing Women For The Presidency In Higher Education: Communication Competencies And Gender, Maria Dwyer, Surabhi Sahay Dec 2022

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.

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Delaying College For Domestic Civic Service: The Gap Year Experiences Of City Year Americorps Alumni, Christopher John Bryson Dec 2022

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 …

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How Faculty Perceive Their Role In Student Learning Assessment And Program Improvement, Mary Elizabeth Spence Dec 2022

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.

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Evidence Of Emotional Intelligence In College Presidents’ Public Writing: Does Their Emotional Intelligence Change Over Time?, Karen Powers Liebhaber Dec 2022

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, …

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Exploring (Mis)Alignments Between First-Year Students’ Expectations And Experiences, Matthew G. Meyers May 2022

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 …

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On The Same Page: Student Government And The University Administrative Agenda Alignment, James Michael Diloreto-Hill May 2022

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 …

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A Decade In Review: A Systematic Literature Review Of Presidential Engagement In Community College Fundraising, Everrett A. Smith Dec 2021

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 …

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Editor's Remarks, G. David Gearhart Dec 2021

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.

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Oklahoma Public Comprehensive Universities: The President’S Role In Financial Management And Fundraising, Mark B. Shields Dec 2021

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. …

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