ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml, 2019
A qualitative research study was conducted to explore leadership competencies of presidents of pu... more 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 external factors such as finances, new technologies, and stakeholder demands play a role in determining the future of academic institutions and the success of their leadership. Much literature has been written regarding higher education leadership, best practices for success, and future changes that should be made to maintain sustainable institutions, especially in rural settings. However, little research has been conducted focusing on higher education institutions set in rural locations that serve primarily rural stakeholders. This study added to the knowledge on rural educational institutions by: (a) using in-depth interviews to explore the context of leadership at rural higher education institutions, (b) analyzing skill sets identified by the presidents interviewed, and (c) attempting to identify suggested competencies that may help future leaders, or those selecting future leaders, to better prepare for conditions that lie ahead. During the course of this research, it became apparent that effective leadership depends upon a process, and that process was used to develop a grounded theory model described in detail within this dissertation. The resulting model highlights the complexity and breadth of consideration participating presidents have taken in the process of leading their xv institutions. This process depicts how presidents must develop strategic foresight that includes a consideration of the culture and context of their institutions as well as the needs of a vast array of stakeholders in order to advance their institutions and create sustainability in their institutions for the future. After developing foresight, leaders assess strengths and weaknesses of each opportunity that presents itself. Then leaders work on empowering faculty and staff at their institutions to move forward. Competency: A measurable combination of knowledge, skill, ability, or personal characteristic that is required for effective performance (Marrelli, Tondora, & Hoge, 2005). Context: Dimensions, trends, and complex issues that relate to a specific system, industry, or society (Smith & Wolverton, 2010). Culture: A pattern of shared beliefs adapted by an organization as valid for problem solving, external adaption, and internal implementation. New members are taught these beliefs as the right way to think and solve problems (Schein, 2010). Emotional Intelligence: The ability to regulate one's own emotions and selfawareness as well as the capability to correctly assess and be empathetic to others' thinking and behavior (Goleman, 2011). Expert: Person demonstrating a combination of experience, competencies, and knowledge in a particular subject (Germain & Ruiz, 2008). Leadership: The process of transforming or changing followers, creating vision, and articulating goals for followers (Bennis, 1983; Burns, 1978). President or Chancellor: For a single campus, the highest executive with responsibilities of key decision-making, administering policy, setting goals, and day-today leadership of the institution. Some presidents may report to a system head (Rowley, 2007). Public institution of higher education: In the United States, an institution that receives a direct appropriation from state taxpayer dollars and is responsible to a stateappointed governing board. Rural: The definition of rural is based on US Census definitions in use by those who work with the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS, n.d.). The
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Papers by Teresa Spaeth