Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of strategic partnerships between community colleges and key stakeholders; to specifically examine strategic partnerships; leadership decision-making; criteria to evaluate strategic partnerships that added value to the institution, value to the students, faculty, staff, and the local communities; and that furthered the community college mission. One-hundred and twenty-five higher education administrators from thirty seven states and one U.S. territory participated. The literature defined strategic partnerships in higher education (Alfred, 2006; Gajda, 2004) and highlighted the theoretical constructs of strategic management (Alfred, 2006; Myran & Howdyshell, 1994; Stahl & Grigsby 1992), leadership decision-making (Bogart, 1994; Eaton, 1988; Strauss, 1978), collaboration theory (Gray, 1989; Schroeder, 1999), negotiation theory (Faberman, 1978; Strauss, 1978), and resource dependency theory (Nienhuser, 2008; Strauss, 1982, Schwalb et al., 2011). The literature review established a basis for successful strategic partnerships. A web-based survey was created by the author based on the literature and was reviewed by an expert panel. The sample included community college administrators, primarily College Presidents (n = 66). Data collection utilized SurveyMonkey. Data analysis was descriptive on seven research questions. The recommendations abridged from the research study were: * Reevaluate strategic partnerships to meet the current goals outlined in the existing community college mission statements. * Modify the community college missions in the United States to be reflective of the federal mandates of accountability and degree completion. * Provide greater inquiry by community college administrators over the costs and benefits of strategic partnerships to improve selections that ratify the missions with focused emphasis on accountability and degree attainment. * Strengthen strategic partnerships that foster K-12 transitions, greater attainment of two-year degrees, and matriculation toward higher level degrees to be reflective of the higher expectations placed upon community colleges to meet the needs of diverse student populations. * Advance and strengthen models of strategic partnerships, particularly with the university, to improve the effectiveness and increase successful transfer rates and higher rates of degree completion. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]