Date of Award

Spring 4-26-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Jeffrey Lee

Second Advisor

Dr. Tim McCarty

Third Advisor

Dr. Cheryl-Marie Osborne Hansberger

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Kathleen Rose

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this ethnographic study is to identify and describe how California Community College Student Services mid-level leaders are culturally responsive in their leadership strategies, based on Horsford’s et al. (2011) Culturally Relevant Leadership Framework.

Methodology: This ethnographic study identified and described culturally responsive leadership strategies utilized by 16 mid-level Student Services leaders within the California community colleges using Horsford et al.’s (2011) Culturally Relevant Leadership Framework. Participants were identified and selected through purposeful criterion sampling. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and the collection of artifacts. The data was then analyzed and coded to identify themes and findings.

Findings: The findings of this study showcase the culturally responsive leadership strategies utilized by mid-level Student Services leaders within the California community colleges within the four dimensions of Horsford et al.’s (2011) Culturally Relevant Leadership Framework. Eight major findings and one unexpected finding emerged from the examination of the data.

Conclusions: This research study drew nine conclusions that provide greater insight and understanding of the culturally responsive leadership strategies of California community college mid-level Student Services leaders. The conclusions include regular audits of Student Services processes and practices, orienting services through the lens of servant leadership, ongoing relevant diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development on best practices, leveraging allies and partnerships across the campus community to meet the basic needs of marginalized populations, setting aside time to reflect on decisions and interactions, hear the stories of the lived experiences of diverse staff and students, a continual focus on data to develop culturally responsive interventions, providing opportunities for staff members to lead and grow, and an active focus on hiring practices to engage diverse communities.

Recommendations: Further research is recommended to replicate this study in other higher education settings; a meta-analysis of the thematic group’s studies of Culturally Relevant Leadership of California community college leaders; replication of this study with mid-level Student Services leaders of color; a comparative study on mid-level Student Services leadership practices in other states; a retrospective study on retired mid-level Student Services leaders; a study of the development of cultural agility in mid-level Student Services leaders.

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