In the early 2010s, the higher education sector in the United States faced unprecedented challenges and disruptions, driven by factors, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changing societal expectations. The role of executive leaders in navigating these challenges and guiding their institutions through periods of…

This study examines the lack of Latina representation in senior positions within 4-year higher education institutions in the United States. It utilizes Latina/o Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) and testimonio methodology to delve into the experiences of seven Latina leaders who have reached the roles of president and provost. The research…

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of senior-level community college administrators regarding the community college presidency and the challenges that may deter qualified candidates from pursuing the role. While existing literature has examined the preparation, qualifications, and recruitment of community college presidents, as well…

In recent history, the role of chief of staff in higher education has become more prominent (Hood, 2017). This study investigates the perceptions of university presidents and chiefs of staff of the chief of staff role in higher education, focusing on differences in perceptions and variance by institution type. It highlights the diverse pathways to…

In the last several decades, revenues for intercollegiate athletic programs in Power 5 Conferences have reached levels of corporate business. As these revenues have soared, criticism from the public has increased and "the most repeated complaint about college athletics is that it is a "business" or "commercial activity"…

Tuition-driven higher education institutions are continually faced with financial and enrollment challenges and other associated challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This action research case study sought to provide a blueprint for private, non-profit higher education institutions to use as a guide in the presidential search process…

School leaders play an important role in creating a caring and supportive environment in which teachers can be successful. In this dissertation in practice (DiP), the scholar-practitioner examined an active learning environment that demonstrated how school leadership took strategic measures for improving student participation in a national…

This grounded narrative inquiry study analyzes the self-selection transitional career motivations by California Community College chief fundraising executives when considering the pursuit of a California Community College presidency. A theoretical research framework is an approach that integrates narrative inquiry in the development of the…

Community college presidents are facing many challenges as they attempt to lead their organizations. Unfortunately, community college presidents are leaving the field in large numbers with over 54% of all community college presidents planning to leave within the next five years (Gagliardi, Espinosa, Turk, & Taylor, 2017). Concurrently, the…

This qualitative study examined the role and value of NCAA Division II athletics on enrollment, finances, and student success. Comparing the perspectives of small, private NCAA Division II college presidents and athletic directors, the study's purpose was to better understand their perspectives on the impact of intercollegiate athletics at their…

The purpose of this research was to examine the perceived leadership frames of Thomas Lakin Institute graduates. This study sought to determine if the independent variables, demographic characteristics (gender and age) and academic experiences (academic discipline and years of administrative experience) relate to the perceived leadership frames…

This study seeks to examine the role of presidential leadership in internationalization on historically Black college and university (HBCU) campuses. HBCUs comprise a small but important segment of U.S. higher education, as they are responsible for 20% of African American graduates in the country. Unfortunately, many of these institutions have yet…

Regardless of such efforts, research has revealed persistent declines of American male presidents, senior executives, executives and faulty administrators employed at PWHEIs. This narrative study explores the individual and specialized comprehensive practices of thirteen African American male presidents, senior executives, executives and faulty…

There is scarce literature explaining how leaders leverage the influence necessary to change universities. This study aimed to illuminate leadership practices that seek to make universities more responsive to, and responsible for, the needs and success of students. In doing so, this research explored practices that leaders used to align a…

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Black community college administrators who have transitioned to upper-level management, while maintaining their own race consciousness. A race conscious mindset is defined as: (a) acknowledgement of racialized self as Black; (b) normative emphasis on racial group membership as part of…