This chapter describes a movement to significantly increase student attainment in community and technical colleges. The observations of Leadership Coaches in Achieving the Dream, developed over a nine-year period of involvement, provide insight into the leadership required to transform institutional culture.

This chapter explores the concept of entrepreneurial waves, with a special focus on the "third wave" of entrepreneurial ventures: alternative means of funding programs and services in light of continued reductions in public financial support and as an approach to building strong and sustainable relationships with external constituencies.…

Desna Wallin defines change leadership as a four-part process that "anticipates" change, "analyzes" the internal and external environments, "acts" on the basis of appropriate and timely data and the strengths of team members, and "affirms" institutional actions with the goal of continuous organizational improvement. In its finest form, change…

The overall mission of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is "Building a Nation of Learners by Advancing America's Community Colleges." A significant component of this mission statement involves the development of leadership. The AACC believes that leadership can be learned and is committed to supporting and growing leaders. In…

Although many of the issues facing community colleges are similar, rural community colleges face additional leadership challenges due to limited resources, geographic isolation, and static economies. This chapter focuses on the impact of location on the interpretation and development of the leadership competencies. The chapter concludes with…

As the twenty-first century progresses, educators face considerable turmoil from the economy, shrinking budgets, aging facilities, and high turnover and attrition among employees at all levels, all the while contending with increasing enrollments and a declining completion rate. These challenges don't even include the ever-growing number of…

Discusses the multitude of tasks that community college academic deans perform and the evolution of the role of dean through the present. Looks at skills required in areas such as productivity and accountability, human relations, and budgeting. Examines current job descriptions and discusses some of the skills that are essential to the dean's…

Provides important insights into directions for professional development for community college deans. Describes six core knowledge areas crucial to prepare deans for leadership: mission, philosophy, and history; learner-centered orientation; instructional leadership; information and educational technologies; institutional accountability and…

This issue focuses on preparing department chairs for their leadership roles. It presents qualities that experienced chairs cite as being crucial to success, and asserts the need to develop formal training programs for people newly appointed to these positions. Articles include: (1) "Midlevel Management in the Community College: A Rose Garden?"…

Obtaining talented and properly trained college leaders is often a source of problems for community colleges. Emphasizes that community college leaders should not rely exclusively on graduate programs of education or professional training programs for leadership development. Discusses the historical factors contributing to community college…

Provides a brief sample of degree and non-degree programs currently offered to administrators, staff and faculty in community college leadership. Includes listings on: (1) programs sponsored by national organizations and associations; (2) regional workshops and seminars; (3) community college programs; (4) continuing education programs by…

This document discusses how community colleges have become a vital and perhaps permanent aspect of the United States higher education system, and how it must maintain a competent leadership in order to maintain its integrity. It emphasizes the importance of effective leadership development within the community colleges as they continue to develop…

Discusses the important impact of university doctoral programs for community college leadership training. Emphasizes the growing need for new community college leaders and the lack of specialized doctoral programs that focus on community colleges. Describes successful community college leadership programs as innovative, desirous of change, and…

Describes the increasing difficulty of community colleges to attract and train new leaders, along with the intensifying trend of turmoil within institutional governance. The Community College Leadership Development Initiatives (CCLDI) group was formed to assist in the resolution of these problematic trends through the strengthening of college…