Date Approved
6-30-2025
Embargo Period
6-30-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Higher Education
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Andrew Tinnin, Ed.D.
Committee Member 2
Tyrone McCombs, Ph.D.
Keywords
college and university leadership;college president;education leadership;higher education;higher education administration
Disciplines
Education | Higher Education
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to investigate the career trajectories of university presidents at New Jersey’s four-year public and private institutions. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, presidential biographies and CVs were analyzed to identify the professional patterns and pathways leading to the presidential role. Findings revealed that there is a predominance of traditional academic pathways, an increase in non-traditional routes, and distinct differences between the public and private institutions. This study offers implications for leadership development, hiring practices for the senior leadership roles, and for future research on the development of careers leading to senior leadership and the presidency in higher education.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Robert, "Mapping the Path to the Presidency: A Case Study Analysis of New Jersey Four Year Institutions" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3422.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3422
