Journal of Education and Human Development

A study of External Stakeholders’ Perspectives of a Midwestern Community College
Goodvin, Sharon Bever; Bakken, Linda; Mustafa, Mohammad B; Jaradat, Maram; Eubank, Heather; Rathbun, Shelia E.; Watkins Mark Charles Henry; Stucky, Janis

Abstract
A Midwestern community college hired a new president in 2003. Since then, community college personnel endeavor to improve institutional effectiveness, program quality, and perceived stakeholder value. The president expressed a concern that the institution's progress remains relevant to the needs of the stakeholders. This study was designed to ascertain data from external stakeholders of the community college regarding their current perceived value of the community college, what value it could bring in the future, and suggestions about moving from the present to the future. The main question of the study is: What are external stakeholders’ perceptions of the value of the college to the service area? A mixed-methods research approach was used consisting of interviews, focus groups, surveys, and document review to triangulate stakeholder perspectives. Participants included 176 high school seniorsfrom different counties, four counselors, and four focus groups. The findings from the data are presented in this study are planned to be used by community college officials to incorporate into their strategic plans. They showed that the college needs to take into account the value that it brings to the service area including economic benefits, specifically community support; accessibility; and cost of tuition.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v4n4a3