Graduation Term
Fall 2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration
Committee Chair
Dianne Renn
Committee Member
Ryan Smith
Committee Member
Marci Rockey
Committee Member
Rudo Tsemunhu
Abstract
For the past three decades, new professionals have been leaving the student affairs field at alarming rates, with around 50% departing within five years of completing their master’s degrees. While numerous studies have explored the reasons behind this exodus, few have examined why the other 50% remain. Moreover, limited research has investigated how servant leadership impacts the retention of these professionals. This basic interpretive qualitative study aimed to understand how leadership’s focus on employee needs influences retention, using the lived experiences of eight mid-level student affairs professionals from large public institutions in the Midwest, each 5-7 years post-master’s degree. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase framework, identified three key themes: "Fill My Cup," "Leadership is Essential," and "It Takes a Village." The findings suggest that retention begins with intentional leadership that sets the foundation for success in student affairs. This includes effective onboarding, engagement in professional associations, mentorship, leadership’s role in shaping workplace culture and addressing new professionals' needs—ultimately filling their theoretical cup. By focusing on these elements, leadership may extend retention well beyond five years, addressing a critical need in today’s workforce.
Access Type
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Joseph, "Midwest Midlevel Professionals' Perspective on Their Entry-Level Experience: Supervisor Leadership and Its Effect on Employee Retention" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 2030.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2030
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, Leadership Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons