We Don’t Have to Do All of It Alone: A Phenomenological Study on How Mid-level Leaders in Community Colleges Flourish Through Collaboration and Advocacy

Author

Mackenzie Taylor Klinker Hutchins, University of Massachusetts GlobalFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Jeffrey Lee

Second Advisor

Jayson Richardson

Third Advisor

Donald B. Scott

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe the formal and informal leadership development experiences of mid-level leaders promoted within Washington State Community Colleges.

Methodology: This phenomenological study identified and described the formal and informal leadership development experiences of 17 mid-level leaders promoted within Washington State Community Colleges. Respondents were purposively chosen based on specific criteria and recommendations of two expert sponsors. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews, where the participants provided descriptive data that would aid in answering the study’s research questions.

Findings: Analysis of the qualitative data from 17 mid-level leaders promoted within Washington State Community Colleges produced ten significant findings, organized into three categories: formal learning, informal learning, and unexpected findings. The study’s findings revealed insight into how mid-level leaders in community colleges identify and engage in leadership development opportunities, the significance of relationships in a mid-level leader’s learning, the necessity and limitations of formal learning, and how advocacy increases leadership development opportunities for marginalized populations.

Conclusions: Ten conclusions related to the leadership development experiences of mid-level leaders in community colleges were drawn in this study. These conclusions were based on data and offered further insight into the various leadership development opportunities and challenges faced by mid-level leaders in community colleges.

Recommendations: Further research is recommended to explore the leadership development of community college leaders. Recommendations include studies exploring barriers faced by community college leaders belonging to marginalized groups, leaders’ experiences of developing competencies identified by the American Association of Community Colleges, and the informal learning experiences of mid-level leaders in community colleges.

Recommended Citation

Hutchins, Mackenzie Taylor Klinker, "We Don’t Have to Do All of It Alone: A Phenomenological Study on How Mid-level Leaders in Community Colleges Flourish Through Collaboration and Advocacy" (2023). Dissertations. 505.
https://digitalcommons.umassglobal.edu/edd_dissertations/505