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ERIC Number: ED564612
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 123
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3036-1983-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Role Development of a Community College President's Spouse
McGrady, Tracy M.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Lindenwood University
The role of a community college president's spouse can be an important one in the life of the college and in the success of the presidency, yet the role itself is often vaguely defined. This can cause frustration for a college president's spouse because he or she experiences ambiguity by not knowing the expectations college stakeholders hold of the spousal role. This study explored the role uncertainties held by community college presidents' spouses, the strategies they used to navigate their new role, and the conflicts they experience in the role as presidential spouse. A qualitative, grounded theory design was selected for this study and was framed through the perspective of role theory and sensemaking. Interviews with 17 community college presidents' spouses in two Midwestern states were conducted. Data analysis resulted in the emergence of three major themes: (a) feelings of ambiguity about the spousal role, (b) attempts to make sense of the role through engagement with others, and (c) feelings of a loss of identity. These findings were consistent with other studies conducted within the scope of role theory and sensemaking. The grounded theory approach, however, produced a new finding: Most of the presidents' spouses identified a profound and personal emotional investment in their role. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Two Year Colleges; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A