The contributions of community colleges to society are well-documented. Yet, today’s community colleges are at a cross road. Decreases in funding support, a push for college completion, attention on developmental course work, and a host of other demands create a dynamic context for community college operations. Who leads these colleges matters as they face these demands and how they lead influences outcomes. Pending leadership retirements provide a prime opportunity for thinking about community college leadership in new ways. Entering this environment are prospective and aspiring leaders who are often not adequately prepared for the complexities of managing in a paradoxical organization. The era of accountability puts a fine point on the need for leaders to pay heed to the policy making process and to requirements dictated by state legislative bodies and accreditation bodies. Foundations and grant funders serve as instigators for changes in community colleges, as well and also support research into ways to link employer needs to college curricular changes. This book argues that neo-leaders are required to lead transformational change for today and tomorrow’s community colleges. No longer can we rely on single leaders atop a hierarchy. Talent throughout the institution must be tapped. The authors argue that networked leadership is needed. For networked leadership, we begin to advance thinking about the role of networks and connections among leaders throughout the college and beyond the college’s walls. This volume outlines underlying values critical for neo-leaders and offers questions leaders at various levels can use to jumpstart the type of courageous conversations needed on campus. The tools presented in this book provide current and aspiring leaders with resources to prepare for successfully leading the way and developing new leaders to shape the future. Our community colleges and their students require nothing less.
Pamela L. Eddy is professor of higher education in the Department of Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership at the College of William and Mary. Her research interests include community college leadership and development, gender roles in higher education, and faculty development. Her scholarship was recognized with the 2013 Senior Scholar Award for the Council for the Study of Community Colleges.
Debbie L. Sydowis President of Richard Bland College, an affiliate of The College of William and Mary in Virginia. She is President Emerita and Distinguished Professor of English at the State University of New York’s (SUNY) Onondaga Community College and Co-Editor of the Futures Series on Community Colleges.
Richard L. Alfred is Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at the University of Michigan. He is Co-Editor of the Futures Series on Community Colleges and Founding Director of the Center for Community College Development. Alfred has published widely in the fields of management and leadership, organizational change and development, and effectiveness and has consulted extensively with colleges engaged in transformation.
Regina L. Garza Mitchell is assistant professor of higher education leadership at Western Michigan University. She has over fourteen years of experience in higher education leadership, including senior administration at a technical college. Regina’s research interests include leadership and online education at community colleges.
