"It's a Sea Change": Understanding the Effects of the Sociopolitical Climate on the Role of the President

• In Event: Accepting Responsibility for Unearthing Emerging and Persistent Organizational Realities

Abstract

The current study is part of a larger study focused on whether White male presidents can respond to racism. In an effort to further advance our understanding of the American college presidency, in this paper, the author analyzed data through the perspective offered by the presidents – higher education is in a sea-change, as well as Astin and Astin’ (2000) and Buller’s (2015) respective frames of change. The author drew on and expanded two bodies of research - the role of the college president and diversity in higher education. In sum, the participants shed light on how the current racial and socio-political climate has shaped their leadership as president.

Author

• Tenisha Tevis, Oregon State University