There are numerous differences and similarities between community colleges and proprietary schools. Demographically, both institutional types serve high proportions of low-income and students of color. This study examines minority male (including African American, Hispanic, and Native American) satisfaction outcomes between institutional types.…

Educational leaders rely on compelling statements of institutional beliefs, strategic direction, and purpose (i.e., values, vision, and mission statements or VVM statements) as the three major pillars by which to launch new program/service initiatives, to enhance academic and administrative operations, and to chart sustainable options in building…

Currently, a majority of two-year colleges in the United States are located in rural areas. Small, rural-serving community colleges are instrumental to the survival of the communities they reside in, as well as vital to the stakeholders they serve. How does being a rural community college present specialized challenges and in what ways do the…

Rural America struggles as a socioeconomic entity. While the community college has been an essential response to some of the needs of rural American higher education, the community college mission is not comprehensive enough to provide complete higher education needs. Four-year degree options are necessary for rural America to progress in economic…

By answering one fundamental question--"What will success look like?"--an educational institution has begun a process of defining its vision. It is undeniable that an institution will ever be greater than its dream; therefore, what is needed first and foremost is an articulated vision to propel an educational institution into a preferred future.…

The study examines community college presidents' perceptions about two--year college intercollegiate athletics. Presidents in six states were surveyed about their perceptions of whether community college athletics: (a) enhances pride in the institution among various constituencies, (b) increases enrollment and augments student recruitment, (c) has…

In this article, the researchers describe a qualitative interview study in which three current presidents of community colleges in Florida shared their beliefs and perspectives regarding contemporary issues affecting the community college as an institution of higher education. The Florida Community College System, with its network of 28 community…

Leaders in two-year colleges have been described as a unique body of educational practitioners with leadership elements considered to be distinct and singular because of the special nature of the two-year institutions and their responsibilities. Effective leadership in the academic chair position has been deemed critical to institutional success.…

States that while creating a mission statement is often an arduous task, it is one of the few documents that identifies not only what an institution is, but also why it exists. Asserts that a well-crafted mission statement can foster a unity of spirit and action for everyone within an institution as well as promote institutional development,…