Date Approved
5-27-2026
Embargo Period
5-26-2028
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Ane Turner Johnson, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Monica Reid Kerrigan, Ed.D.
Committee Member 2
Sara Lacagnino, Ph.D.
Disciplines
Education | Educational Leadership
Abstract
In the face of unprecedented enrollment challenges, New Jersey's community colleges need strong leaders to guide them through uncertain circumstances. Factors such as declining high school graduation rates, changing student demographics, and rising skepticism about the value of higher education have increased pressure on these institutions, which are expected to face enrollment declines. Critical to addressing these issues are strategic enrollment management (SEM) professionals, whose roles in recruiting, retaining, and supporting students are vital for the institutions’ sustainability. Despite their importance, little research has examined how professional development influences their leadership development and career paths. This qualitative comparative case study examined the professional development experiences of 20 SEM leaders across five departments: admissions, financial aid, the registrar's office, student affairs, and academic affairs, at nine New Jersey community colleges. The study examined how professional development impacted participants’ self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and outcome expectations. Collectively, these findings address significant gaps in access to professional development across SEM departments.
Recommended Citation
Benedict, Gregory, "DISCOVERING PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY ON NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLLMENT LEADERS CONNECTING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO GOALS" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 3522.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3522
