The purpose of this qualitative feminist phenomenological study was to explore women's perceptions of professional advancement to the president role within higher-education administration due to the lack of progress of diversifying college presidencies. To examine challenges that women face as they navigate the career advancing pipeline, it…

This study explores the potential link between institutes of higher educations' (IHEs') presidential skill sets and institutional health. The study uses Leadership Theory as a general theoretical framework and Skills Theory of Leadership in particular as a focal lens. A review of the literature indicates a significant gap in research on IHE…

Hospital-affiliated higher education institutions face a multitude of challenges and uncertainties, from a decline in enrollment to financial instabilities to large-scale health-system mergers. These higher education organizations must adapt in order to overcome challenges and remain sustainable in the future. Previous research was limited…

This qualitative dissertation explored the research question: "How do presidents at small private universities collaborate with local government and industry leaders in their host communities to enhance economic development?" The data were collected from three presidents that had been a university president at a qualifying institution…

A qualitative research study was conducted to explore leadership competencies of presidents of public universities with enrollments of less than 7,000, located in small rural communities and distant locations in the Upper Midwest. The context of higher education is constantly evolving. Internal pressures from faculty and students, as well as…

Small, private, liberal arts colleges are in a time of crisis. Many of these colleges are undergoing significant changes as a result of the external forces driving declining enrollment and increasing operating costs. At the same time, the average age of college presidents is increasing and average tenure is decreasing. In response, this intrinsic…

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to explore the leadership styles of enrollment management leaders in small, private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Southern California. Methodology: This study used a phenomenological approach to understand the leadership styles of enrollment management leaders. The…

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of vice presidents for student affairs at small liberal arts colleges with readiness for change within their organizations. The lived experiences of the participants were explored using the following research questions: (1) How do vice presidents for student affairs at small, private liberal…

Colleges and universities not only have the opportunity, but also the responsibility, to shape globally-minded citizens. In January 2013, Under Secretary of Education, Martha Kanter, co-authored the lead article in "Change: The Magazine of Higher Education," arguing that "knowledgeable, engaged, globally minded citizens hold the key…

As both internal and external threats continue to arise and challenge the traditional mold of higher education, the role of the university president is becoming more and more important. The position is being required to serve in an ever-growing number of capacities in addition to steering the direction of the institution. The purpose of the…

This study explored whether financial leaders and institutional governing boards use financial indicators as a tool to inform decision making, solely as a compliance measurement tool, or not at all. The purpose of this qualitative study was two-fold to: (a) identify the use of financial indicators in strategic decision making, and (b) investigate…

This dissertation was a qualitative research study regarding two small private universities and their process of transformation from an institution headed toward closure to a successful turnaround. The primary questions that guided the study included the factors and persons that contributed to the institutional turnaround, the issues and…

This research examined how two decidedly different groups of community college presidents from across the United States viewed the competencies, characteristics, and professional skills identified by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) (2005) as important for effective community college leadership. The two groups participating in…

Colleges and universities across the country are seeking ways to strategically position their campuses within the growingly competitive landscape of higher education. The presidents of these institutions are approaching these changes with a watchful eye on the fiscal, environmental, and human resources involved. The purpose of this study was to…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain insight on the nontraditional pathways to a college presidency. Specifically, this inquiry explored the career trajectory of college presidents with experience as a former chief student affairs officer (CSAO). The population of the study was comprised of 12 presidents from a myriad of four-year…