Higher education and the military have been linked throughout U.S. history. Following World War II, the President's Commission on Higher Education released "Higher Education for American Democracy," popularly known as the Truman Commission Report of 1946. It called for, among other things, the establishment of a network of public community…

This chapter offers time-tested advice for new presidents, including how to build and maintain strong relationships with trustees, how to address the persistent concerns of student success and remediation, and how to access the college's economic condition as well as how to oversee and maintain strong funding channels.

A framework for understanding the human side of leadership, especially wounding and leadership struggles, is described with an emphasis on stories of community college presidents. Practical advice and recommendations are offered to better equip aspiring and practicing community college presidents for leadership challenges. A key message is that…

This chapter provides a portrait of women's representation in the leadership ranks of community colleges. The study analyzed audiotaped and transcribed interviews with six women community college presidents. Each of the women had been leading her institution for less than five years; one participant was serving in her second presidency. Findings…

This article presents a study that uses iterative searches of literature, guided by data from campus observations, interviews, and surveys, to locate and test a theory that can be used to strengthen institutional leverage over student engagement and outcomes. A review of literature was conducted to frame a preliminary theoretical framework for…

Although community colleges have long been the access point to higher education for low-income students and students of color, there is much work still to be done if the institutions are to fulfill their democratic promise. In this article, the authors draw upon a growing body of work described as the new equity agenda (Arbona and Nora, 2007;…

This chapter reviews the strategies described in this volume that rural college leaders can use to address the issues and challenges their institutions face. (Contains a list of 12 resources and 4 online resources.)

This chapter examines challenges and options available to community college presidents as their institutions increasingly rely on unstable revenue streams. Presidents, particularly those at institutions with limited access to strong local tax support, require new and expanded fiscal leadership skills.

Community colleges serve a higher percentage of students with disabilities than any other sector of higher education. An understanding of the requirements imposed by disability laws in accommodating those students is important for all community college leaders.

A shift in the fundraising landscape has prompted community college presidents to take a more proactive approach to winning the hearts and dollars of potential donors. This chapter focuses on how college presidents and foundation CEOs can work together to gain support from funding sources.

When a grants development office is perceived as an integral component of a community college, it can effectively raise significant amounts of public and private funding to advance the institutional mission, vision, and strategic plan. Here, the author discusses the organizational commitment and strategic structures necessary to effectively…

Involved alumni are alumni who will give, and then ask how they can do more. If a college knows how to cultivate and engage its alumni, it is well on the way to financial health and growth. Community colleges are particularly and favorably positioned to obtain support from their alumni, since alumni recognize the value they received as students,…

Examines the rationale for the use of part-time faculty; discusses concerns related to recruitment and selection and instructional quality; and addresses the relationship between part-time faculty and the institution. Suggests implementation of a plan by which faculty are paid differentially for a variety of teaching-related functions. (LAL)

Identifies factors that may lead to teacher burnout, including heavy teaching loads, underprepared students, elitist attitudes, repetition and boredom, and changing subject matter. Successful cures involve self-knowledge, institutional responsibility, and administrative sensitivity to faculty frustration. Ways to avoid burnout include variety,…

Suggests that increases in state control necessitate new governance skills of community college leaders. Examines various state organizational structures and the nature of state control, emphasizing legislative intervention, state involvement in operational matters, and state-level governing boards. Feels that state coordination can enhance…