Dissertation Defenses

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

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Candidate: Robert Harrison

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology

Title: The Impact of a Community Leadership Academy in a Midwestern county on Graduates’ Attitudes and Behavior Toward Community Trusteeship

Committee:
Dr. Van Cooley, Chair
Dr. Dennis McCrumb
Dr. Carole Schmidt

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
3306 Sangren Hall

Abstract:
This qualitative case study was designed to investigate how graduates of a community leadership academy changed their attitudes and behaviors toward community trusteeship and changed their level of community involvement. The research was intended to determine whether the graduates’ participation in a community leadership academy builds their awareness of community issues, develops leadership skills, and creates an understanding of the value of community trusteeship resulting in an increase in community involvement.
The findings of the study were based on a sample of graduates who did or did not perceive any change following participation. Data collection techniques included a participant information form to gather baseline information about the participants, a community involvement form to prompt personal reflection about the leadership academy, and personal interviews of twelve individuals to determine whether they experienced any change in their attitudes and behaviors towards community trusteeship.
This research may be of interest to individuals and organizations that sponsor, plan, and instruct for these leadership academies as well as for future participants and their employers or sponsors. Nationally, there are over 600 similar leadership academies with over 10,000 graduates per year. Tuition for these leadership academies varies from a nominal amount to over $2,000 per person.