Date Approved

3-22-2016

Embargo Period

3-23-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Rose, Steven

Committee Member 1

Kerrigan, Monica

Committee Member 2

Contini, Peter

Keywords

Community college board of trustees, Community college trustee, Comprehensive community college mission, Trustee appointment

Subject(s)

Community college trustees; Community colleges

Disciplines

Community College Leadership

Abstract

The global economy has created a demand for skills and talent, and while the rest of the world has responded to the global demand for post-secondary skills by increasing attainment, the United States has not. Community colleges are more important today than ever before as they work to produce qualified, skilled workers as well as an educated citizenry so that the United States can remain competitive in a global economy. Boards of trustees govern these community colleges. The boards of trustees have the final authority over the affairs of higher education institutions in the United States, yet very little research or analysis exists on community college boards of trustees. This research study focused on the shared lived experiences of community college trustees during their first year of service on their boards. Participating trustees in this study became ambassadors and advocates for their community colleges, even though those responsibilities were not expected of them. Also, the participants in this study developed relationships with their colleges, their missions, and the students they serve by witnessing students in their moments of triumph during student-centered celebration events.

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