Author: Manoj Babu

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

The performance measures facing Community College Presidents (CCP) in the United States is reaching a level of scrutiny that is unprecedented. The social needs of the community, in an effort to create a true learning environment, become dependent on the effectiveness of CCP. Community Colleges play a vital role in the upward mobility and social access to higher education in the U.S. while the upcoming changes in the educational system reveal a new set of skills that is mandatory for a successful presidential tenure. The presidents of these educational post-secondary institutions are becoming more aware of their leadership roles and expectations from groups such as students, community, and their respective board of trustees. This study delves into the core leadership competencies that lay the foundation and groundwork for a successful CCP. The key findings of this research include essential areas of leadership effectiveness such as emotional and social intelligence, shared vision, and community engagement. Ultimately, this research attempts to answer the question: "What does it take to become an effective community college president?" This research also provides a compelling argument into the emotional and social leadership skills set needed to be successful as a CCP using comparative analysis, statistical evidence, and a multi-rater system of analysis. The major theme categories, as found by this research, needed to be an effective CCP are emotional intelligence, sense of purpose, social intelligence, involving external stakeholders, and cognitive intelligence. It is the intent of this research to identify competency markers as indicators for an effective CCP. In an attempt to identify core competencies relevant to the success of CCPs, this research focuses on three completed studies, each one building on the next in succession. The first study is a qualitative approach using critical incident behavior analysis during formal interviews with CCPs. The second is a quantitative approach to the insights and expectations of community college faculty. Finally, the third study is a quantitative focus on the competencies of effectiveness and engagement of CCPs. In addition, the third study is a multi-rater design analysis with a 360 feedback survey from direct reports of the presidents of community colleges. These three studies create a mixed-method network of evidence and logic formulated to lay a foundation for CCPs. Ideally, the information compiled from this research can be used by current and future community college administration. The competencies that once led to a successful CCP tenure have changed and have been replaced with new expectations from the community college board of directors, students, and communities. This research outlines what is required to have a successful tenure as a CCP in today's post-secondary education system.