Academic Pathways to University Leadership: Presidents Descriptions of Their Doctoral Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: The Challenges of Fostering Organizational Transformation in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine university presidents’ perceptions of their academic doctoral preparation program as it related to their preparation for the university presidency. When writing about academic programs, Crosson and Glenn (1984) asked, “What makes a distinguished program? What type of program responds best to students’ aspirations and needs?” These are critical questions in an era of increased accountability and in times when higher education administration programs are being merged or even eliminated in light of budget shortages (Katsinas, 2007). Yet, little research has been conducted to address this issue and answer these questions. Thirteen university presidents who had earned a doctorate in education with a specialization in higher education participated in this study.

Authors

• Sydney Freeman Jr., Tuskegee University

• Frances K. Kochan, Auburn University