With its unique perspective, this phenomenological study focused on the challenges college presidents face in fundraising at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) institutions of higher education. As financial pressures grew, fundraising became a central responsibility for presidents, particularly in faith-based institutions where…

All higher education institutions have concerns about their fiscal health, and many have engaged in fundraising practices to augment and supplement other sources of revenue. Community colleges have been slower than their 4-year counterparts to engage in fundraising. Despite enrolling almost half of all students in postsecondary education, they…

This purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to identify culturally relevant fundraising strategies that can empower leaders of public, under-resourced, tuition dependent HBCUs on how to effectively reduce tuition dependence. University presidents and advancement professionals face a growing dilemma of identifying ways to strengthen…

With roots going back to the early 1830s and up to today, African-Americans continue to choose Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) for their post-secondary education needs. To understand the fundraising strategies utilized at HBCUs, this dissertation examines the efforts of a targeted group of HBCU presidents who have excelled in…

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the story of how John C. Reynders, 12th president of Morningside University, was able to bring the university back from the brink of closure when he took office in 1999, as well as the leadership challenges, victories, and life events that helped shape his 23-year tenure. Using the…

With the decrease in enrollment and increase in cost over the past decade, private colleges and universities have experienced financial hurdles, requiring the need to raise private funds. The financial viability of these colleges and universities depends upon the ability of university presidents to raise money. However, challenges must be overcome…

As a result of declining funding, colleges and universities have become more reliant on private philanthropic support to ensure they continue to meet their institutional missions. Given this heightened and ongoing need, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the way in which the role of the higher education president has evolved…

Oklahoma public comprehensive university presidents face many challenges. Among the top challenges is the quest for adequate funding of their institutions, including adequate levels of support from state resources. For Oklahoma's public comprehensive universities and their leaders, the low levels of public support by the state have become a…

The transition of a college or university president is inevitable. Presidential tenure is becoming shorter and turnover becoming more commonplace at private and public higher educational institutions. Thriving higher education institutions rely on effective leadership to navigate critical areas such as enrollment, financial health, and…

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…

In response to research pointing to a growing executive leadership crisis in community colleges (CCs), with too few strong candidates entering the leadership pipeline for the presidency, I focused this study on individuals already in that pipeline. My goal was to develop an understanding of their perceptions of their own roles in the pipeline and…

As universities become more diverse, competitive, and entrepreneurial, it is increasingly important to understand the impact of the president on fundraising. Research exists on the race and gender of university presidents, on their role in fundraising and their leadership traits that enable or impede fundraising (Cahill, 2003; Hodson, 2010; Kezar…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the essential experiences and skills required for successful and effective leadership at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in the United States. Utilizing Weick's seven properties of sensemaking as a framework, this study examines how participants developed their sensemaking abilities regarding…

Many critics consider public institution presidents' compensation to be excessive, while others argue the money yields a return on investment in private fundraising and state appropriations. Our study asks whether presidential compensation at public, four-year institutions is associated with increased institutional revenue from state…

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and mStoner conducted a survey of how schools, colleges and universities use various digital tools and techniques in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, and marketing. The study focused on how higher ed is adopting various digital tools and integrating them into advancement…