Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Gordon Watts, Ph.D.

Abstract

Institutions of higher education have many assets, but it is the human capital that is necessary for them to operate. Without the right personnel it would be impossible for colleges to function. Shortages of personnel at all levels have been predicted; however, it is the potential leadership crisis that is a rising concern. Many changes may be causing the shortages. Population and workforce changes in conjunction with growing college campuses may be partially to blame. In addition, community colleges emerged in the 60s and 70s, thus many of the original faculty and administrators are now nearing retirement. The real concern is not what has caused the shortage, but whether a shortage of leaders will be a reality. Since no research exists on Arkansas two-year college administrators and their future retirements, the data will provide valuable information for decision makers. The research studied Arkansas public, two-year college administrators. The study examined demographics of current, key administrators and their future employment plans. The study determined the projected retirement rates of the target group and where future leaders were likely to come from. The research also examined what leadership development programs currently exist within Arkansas' two-year colleges. The study also sought to determine whether incumbents were interested in ascending the career ladder further and whether barriers existed that would prevent or hinder that ascension. The results indicated that a large number of current administrators already qualify for retirement and that a low number intend to pursue other administrative appointments. Few leadership development or succession plans exist within the studied colleges and the largest barriers are the time requirements and stress of administrative positions.

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