Publication Date

12-2023

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Aaron Hughey, Jieyoung Kong, Trent Engbers

Degree Program

Educational Leadership

Degree Type

Doctor of Education

Abstract

This study investigated the leadership roles and challenges senior international officers (SIOs) face in the internationalization of regional comprehensive universities in the United States. The study also explored senior international officers’ understanding of internationalization in the context of regional comprehensive universities, and the strategies they utilize to address the challenges they face. A qualitative approach, specifically an interpretive phenomenological analysis, was employed to conduct this research. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with SIOs from five U.S. regions: West, Midwest, South, Southeast, and Northwest. Findings show that senior international officers at regional comprehensive universities perceive internationalization as a tool to train global citizen leaders who are prepared to address global challenges.

Transformational and servant leadership approaches appeared to be the leadership styles SIOs use for an effective and successful internationalization of their institution. The findings provide a wide range of challenges and strategies an SIO may encounter at a regional comprehensive university in the United States. The study outlines implications for practice for aspiring SIOs and existing senior leaders in the United States. Finally, the paper makes recommendations for future research.

Disciplines

Education | Educational Administration and Supervision | Higher Education Administration

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