The Roles of the University President During an Era of Accountability
Open Access
- Author:
- Sambolin, Jr., Hector Luis
- Graduate Program:
- Educational Leadership
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- March 05, 2010
- Committee Members:
- Dr Stefkovich, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Jacqueline A Stefkovich, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Dr Paul Begley, Committee Member
Nancy A Tuana, Committee Member
Robert M Hendrickson, Committee Member - Keywords:
- University Presidents
Roles
Leadership
Decision-Making
Ethics
Accountability - Abstract:
- Using the Roles of the University President During an Era of Accountability model which integrates multiple perspective approaches to presidential leadership as well as role theory with an underlying foundation of ethical constructs this research focuses on four university presidents with at least five years of experience at four-year, Research I, land-grant institutions in the United States. This study utilizes a comparative case study design via in-depth document review analysis as well as individual interviews to explore the lived experiences and role(s) of university presidents based on several internal and external variables of context such as state governance structure, university structure, university organization, and the interplay of relationships that exist among them. Personal and ethical constructs of the university presidency informed by the presidents themselves are also considered. Much of the current literature informing practice has been a-theoretical; thus, this research uses theory to inform practice. Informing practice can provide university presidents with insight and additional information on the roles they fill or perhaps lead to the creation of new roles. This study will provide a snapshot of organizational theory to explain the nexus between increased demands for accountability and the role of the university president while concomitantly analyzing how presidents internalize and navigate through such a nexus using both professional and personal value systems to guide the process of effective decision-making within their institutions- all of which is critically important given the environment of American higher education today.