AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF Mari Kruger for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education presented on June 14, 2007. Title: Profiles in Courage of Community College Leaders. Abstract approved: George H. Copa The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experience of courage among community college leaders across the United States. The following questions guided the research: (1) What is the courageous experience like for a community college leader? (2) What is the process of courage development? (3) What are the internal and external conditions which are most likely to lead a community college leader to act courageously? The research design included a qualitative/interpretive methodology and instrumental case study method with nine community college leaders’ selected using purposive sampling. Overall themes that emerged characterizing the experience of courage were: (a) real risks, (b) reasoned choice, (c) call to act, (d) facing adversity, (e) loneliness and isolation, (f) staying power, (g) maintaining personal integrity, and (h) preservation. Embedded in themes were sub-themes of the courageous experience. Prior, present, and future time horizons comprised the conceptual framework of the development process of becoming courageous for leaders. The prior time horizon focused on fundamentals included past practice, value formation, and consistency. During the present time horizon, leaders moved through three phases, each phase comprised of several elements of courage development. Elements within phases included fear, taking responsibility, risk, and reasoned choice (Phase One); action, focusing of attention, adversity, suffering loss (Phase Two); and, fortitude under stress, management of controversy, and survival amidst challenges (Phase Three). Outcomes of moving through the phases of the present time horizon were self integrity, institutional sustainability, and self release. Finally, for the future time horizon, courage was found to be habit forming and had elements of reflection, coping, and a readiness for calling. The findings also included identifying internal and external conditions which were most likely to lead a community college leader to act courageously. Internal conditions were: (a) caring, (b) core values, (c) faith, (d) hope (with optimism), (e) humility, (f) perceived insight, (g) self-confidence, and (h) speaking up. External conditions were: (a) principles, (b) role models, and (c) supports. The study concludes that developing community college leaders who are ready when courage is called upon is an important challenge to higher education. ©Copyright by Mari Kruger June 14, 2007 All Rights Reserved Profiles in Courage of Community College Leaders by Mari Kruger A DISSERTATION submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Presented June 14, 2007 Commencement June 2008 Doctor of Philosophy dissertation of Mari Kruger presented on June 14, 2007. APPROVED: Major Professor, representing Education Dean of the College of Education Dean of the Graduate School I understand that my dissertation will become part of the permanent collection of Oregon State University libraries. My signature below authorizes release of my dissertation to any reader upon request. Mari Kruger, Author ACKNOWLEDEMENTS I have tremendous gratitude and great admiration for Dr. George Copa, without whom I would have not have completed the project and degree successfully. Dr. Copa has been a steady captain providing expertise and guidance, showing human concern all along the way. I am indebted to the participants in my study for their willingness to share their stories. I am grateful as well to the observers of each case who shared their time to support my study and deepen my understanding both of the courageous leaders as well as the contexts. Each leader has inspired me and shown me how to practice courage. I thank the members of my committee: Dr. Larry Roper, Dr. Jessica White, Dr. Steven Rubert, and Dr. Pamela Transue for their time and energy which ensured that I had a solid foundation at the end of my coursework and deeply appreciate their efforts to make the project a scholarly piece of work. I am also indebted for Dr. George Boggs for his willingness to endorse my study and lend credibility to the work as I solicited nominations of courageous leaders. Leaders from across the country who took the time to nominate cases are likewise appreciated. I thank Steve Wall, who encouraged me to begin the doctoral adventure and provided steadfast interest and support. To my Community College Leadership Program (CCLP) cohorts who all became wonderful friends and an extended family, I thank you. I also thank the CCLP faculty for helping me learn how to be a contributing community college leader. I owe a special recognition to my friends, students and colleagues for cheering me on when I needed it most. Finally, I express incredible appreciation to my husband Mike Kruger for his sacrifice in order for me to embark and complete the journey. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Chapter I – Focus and Significance………………………………………………....1 Focus of the Study......................................................................................4 Research Questions ....................................................................................5 Significance of the Study............................................................................7 Summary....................................................................................................12 Chapter Two – Review of Relevant Literature........................................................14 Introduction................................................................................................14 Conceptualization.......................................................................................15 Etymological Reflections on Courage .............................................15 Philosophical Approaches...............................................................17 Existential and Humanistic Perspectives on Courage.......................27 Research on Courage ......................................................................34 Courage and Public Discourse.........................................................46 Summary of Conceptualization .......................................................54 Contextualization .......................................................................................58 Challenges Facing Community Colleges.........................................59 Community College Leadership and Courage .................................63 Summary of Contextualization........................................................65 Summary....................................................................................................66 Research Question #1……………………………………………….67 Research Question #2……………………………………………….68 Research Question #3……………………………………………….69 Chapter Three – Design Of Study...........................................................................72 Methodology and Rationale........................................................................72 Method and Rationale.................................................................................74 Role of the Researcher................................................................................77 Case Selection............................................................................................80 Study Participants.......................................................................................85 Data Gathered ............................................................................................87 Data Collection Procedures ........................................................................90 Data Analysis Procedures...........................................................................93 Strategies to Ensure Soundness of Data and Findings .................................96 Strategies for Protection of Human Subjects...............................................99 Summary....................................................................................................99 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Page Chapter IV - Findings ............................................................................................103 Overview of Findings.................................................................................103 Profiles of Community College Leaders .....................................................103 Courageous Leader #1 ....................................................................105 Courageous Leader #2 ....................................................................112 Courageous Leader #3 ....................................................................120 Courageous Leader #4 ....................................................................129 Courageous Leader #5 ....................................................................138 Courageous Leader #6 ....................................................................144 Courageous Leader #7 ....................................................................154 Courageous Leader #8 ....................................................................164 Courageous Leader #9 ....................................................................175 Summary of Profile Findings……………………………………….186 Findings in Response to Research Questions ..............................................189 Research