Exploring the evolving role of the higher education president: a case study.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20398318

As a result of declining funding, colleges and universities have become more reliant on private philanthropic support to ensure they continue to meet their institutional missions. Given this heightened and ongoing need, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the way in which the role of the higher education president has evolved to include expectations of fundraising. The researcher interviewed 8 participants associated with Growing University (pseudonym), seeking data on the evolving role of the president. The data gathered revealed four themes including: 1) Expanding needs and shrinking support necessitate increased fundraising efforts; 2) Communicating the university story is essential; 3) Developing relationships must be a priority and 4) Rethinking the traditional pathway. Findings from this study revealed benefits achieved through the active engagement of the higher education president in the fundraising process. The knowledge gained through this research study will inform those seeking to pursue the role of higher education president, as well as those engaged in the process of hiring the next generation of higher education leaders.