Graduation Term

Fall 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration

Committee Chair

Mohamed Nur-Awaleh

Committee Member

Lydia Kyei-Blankson

Committee Member

Perry Schoon

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the change management leadership strategies employed by Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs) to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population at midwestern institutions of higher education. The change management leadership strategies employed by seven CSAOs to address the mismatch between the increasing diversity of college student populations and the institutions’ readiness to meet these students' diverse needs were drawn from using in-depth interviews, review of enrollment data, and institutional planning documents. The three research questions guiding this study yielded four major themes. The first theme is related to how CSAOs identify areas for development and pinpoint where change is needed. Data and insights directly from students emerged as strong indicators for CSAOs. The second theme focused on the implementation of adjustments and how CSAOs start the change process. Strategic alignment, collaboration, and communication appeared as subthemes related to implementation. A third theme related to the process is how CSAOs lead through the process itself and help manage the change. Developing and utilizing leadership, as well as focusing on resource allocation, were directly related to this theme. A final theme of inspiring continued development focused on how CSAOs continue the change mindset and infuse it throughout the organization. Maintaining the culture, purposeful recognition, and encouraging team buy-in appeared as subthemes. The findings, synthesized with existing literature, offered recommendations for Chief Student Affairs Officers and institutions working to develop services, supports, and resources for students, while also highlighting areas for future research and practical implications.

Access Type

Dissertation-Open Access

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