Graduation Term
2021
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration
Committee Chair
Dianne Renn
Abstract
This study documents voices of the most experienced active Illinois community college chief academic officers (CAOs). Adaptive leadership theory is used to frame the effort of CAOs to infuse accountability into the core community college open access mission. The analysis of conversations with these CAOs reveals a focus on accountability that centers around student success initiatives rather than an urgent need to improve completion rate. The CAOs interviewed perceived student success and open access as crucial components of the mission of community colleges. The CAOs describe the work they do to help fulfill the mission and how that work has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advice is provided for those who aspire to the CAO position and for those responsible for developing future CAOs.
Access Type
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Coykendall, Mark A., "Perceptions of Illinois Community College Chief Academic Officers: Fulfilling the Mission" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 1486.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1486
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2021.20220215070316738757.999995