Community college leaders : building community connections

• Main Author: York, Penny
• Other Authors: Duvall, Betty
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Community colleges > Social aspects > United States; Community colleges > Public relations > United States
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/32581

The study established how community college leaders establish connections with other community leaders. Connections that form broad and inclusive networks can be used to develop positive social capital in communities. Results showed that new community college leaders follow a pattern of community engagement including the identification of other leaders, making contacts, and extending relationships through community and personal activities. No particular set of personality characteristics is required for the development of community connections. Methods of developing community connections vary depending upon leader, college, and community characteristics. The development of connections is expedited by frequent attendance at events, membership in organizations, and the assistance of college staff. The development of community connections is based on sets of skills that can be learned. Skills learned in the development of community connections can be adapted and transferred from one setting to another. Community college leaders tend to define the results of their community connections by college outcomes rather than by community impact. Community college leaders tend not to have broad and inclusive networks that include informal and social service community leaders. New community college leaders and their staffs can use the results of this study to better prepare for the establishment and maintenance of leadership networks that build community. === Graduation date: 2001