Higher education system governance: an exploratory study of presidential decision making in the kentucky community and technical college system

University of Kentucky
UKnowledge

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies
Educational Leadership Studies

2016

HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM GOVERNANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PRESIDENTIAL DECISION MAKING IN THE KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
Sarah Jill Page
University of Kentucky, [e-mail] Author ORCID Identifier:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8080-7477
Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2016.480

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Recommended Citation
Page, Sarah Jill, "HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM GOVERNANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PRESIDENTIAL DECISION MAKING IN THE KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
SYSTEM" (2016). Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies. 17. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/edl_etds/17
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The document mentioned above has been reviewed and accepted by the student’s advisor, on behalf of the advisory committee, and by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), on behalf of the program; we verify that this is the final, approved version of the student’s thesis including all changes required by the advisory committee. The undersigned agree to abide by the statements above.
Sarah Jill Page, Student Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Major Professor
Dr. John Nash, Director of Graduate Studies
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM GOVERNANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PRESIDENTIAL DECISION MAKING IN THE KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM

DISSERTATION

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the College of Education

at the University of Kentucky
By Sarah Jill Page

Lexington, Kentucky

Director: Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Studies

Lexington, Kentucky 2016

Copyright © Sarah Jill Page 2016 0000-0001-8080-7477

ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION

HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM GOVERNANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PRESIDENTIAL DECISION MAKING IN THE KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
There are more than 40 higher education systems across the United States enrolling more than 5.6 million students. Literature on higher education systems is well- documented; however, variations in system structures and governance are apparent. The limited research on governance in community college systems merits examination. This study explored presidential decision making in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System using quantitative and qualitative procedures. As a two-phase, sequential exploratory study using surveys, interviews, and documents, this study considers decision making from an organizational and environmental perspective to understand how presidents share academic, administrative, and personnel decision making. This study extends knowledge about decision making and presidential leadership in community college systems, and further contributes to the development of literature in the area of community college systems.
KEYWORDS: higher education system, community college system, governance structure, presidential decision making, shared decision making
Sarah Jill Page


12/07/2016
Date
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM GOVERNANCE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PRESIDENTIAL DECISION MAKING IN THE KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
By Sarah Jill Page


Wayne D. Lewis, PhD Director of Dissertation


John Nash, PhD Director of Graduate Studies


12/07/2016
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The completion of this dissertation could not have been achieved without the involvement and support of many people. To my husband, Rusty, who has supported me in numerous ways throughout this journey. Without him, this would not be a reality. To my son, Forrest, who reminded me that my goals are bigger than myself. Through all of the sacrifices as a family, this dissertation is a symbol of our strength and perseverance as a family. To my mother, who instilled in me a love of education and reminded me to always pursue my dreams. To my mother and father, who taught me hard work and perseverance that helped me pursue this goal regardless of obstacles and challenges.

Special appreciation goes to Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, my committee chair. His guidance and feedback was essential to this dissertation. I appreciate his critical eye and challenging questions that pushed me in my research. I will always appreciate both his academic and professional support as a student, researcher, and practitioner. Appreciation goes to my committee members Dr. Lars Bjork, Dr. Beth Rous, and Dr. Neal Hutchens for their guidance. Finally, appreciation goes to my cohort colleagues, who shared information, provided encouragement and reassurance, and reminded me that I was not in this alone.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.....................................................................................	iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................	iv
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................	vii
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................	viii
Chapter One: Introduction.......................................................................................	1
Background of the Study.............................................................................	2
Statement of the Problem.............................................................................	4
Purpose of the Study....................................................................................	5
Definition of Terms.....................................................................................	7
Significance of the Study.............................................................................	10
Summary......................................................................................................	12
Chapter Two: Review of Literature.........................................................................	14
Higher Education Governance.....................................................................	15
Higher Education Systems...........................................................................	18
History of Higher Education Systems.............................................	21
State Board of Higher Education.....................................................	23
Community College Systems..........................................................	31
Characteristics of Higher Education Systems..................................	39
Decision Making..........................................................................................	42
Decision Making in Higher Education Systems..............................	42
The Decision Making Process.........................................................	50
Community College Leadership..................................................................	54
Community College Presidency......................................................	57
Leadership in Higher Education Systems........................................	60
Theoretical Framework................................................................................	61
Structural Model..............................................................................	62
Political Model.................................................................................	64
Anarchical Model............................................................................	67
Summary......................................................................................................	69
Chapter Three: Methodology...................................................................................	71
Research Questions......................................................................................	72
Research Paradigm......................................................................................	73
Rationale for the Study................................................................................	74
Approach to the Study.................................................................................	74
Methodological Overview...........................................................................	76
Phase One........................................................................................	77
Phase Two........................................................................................	78
Role of the Researcher and Ethical Considerations.....................................	81

Participants..................................................................................................	82