Ron did a qualitative study – he was at AU as Associate VP – Finance and Controller
- had stagnant enrollment, maintained by bringing on more programs
- looked at successful organizations of similar size
- listened to people stories and looked to bring out themes
- sorted non-profits out (in appendix)
- chose the top institutions from a financial and academic indicator base: Charleston Southern University, Mount Saint Mary College, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Checked with President to ensure change processes were in place
Success from:

1. purpose of sampling
2. passion for what he was doing

Open ended questions

• interviewed 4 at each institution
• had tapes transcribed, typed
• code for these – themes jumped out
  • Enhancing Academic Delivery
  • Challenging the Fundamental Role of Faculty
  • Improving Student Life on Campus
  • Implementing Planning and Other Financial Issues

John Kotter says 8 steps must take place in sequence in order for change to happen:

1. establishing a sense of urgency
2. creating a guiding coalition
3. developing a vision and strategy
4. communicating the change vision
5. empowering broad-based action
6. generating short-term wins
7. consolidating gains and producing more change
8. anchoring new approaches in the culture

Ron wishes he had tracked one change on each campus to see if they truly do happen in order.

Research happened in 30 days, Dissertation written in 90 days.

Dr. Freed slowed him down by finding more resources to add to the dissertation.

It is very difficult to change higher education. The President of the University is on the committee.

Some things “we can’t do that here” (e.g. intercollegiate sports, inclusive recruiting).

Faculty is the single constituency that will inhibit change the most on a campus – faculty must trust the process – must actively involve them; then it’s admin’s responsibility to take the faculty findings and make them happen

In writing a dissertation, there are major challenges in getting any software to format a dissertation appropriately. Word was a horrendous experience

herrr@andrews.edu – send thought processes