The Repository @ St. Cloud State

Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

4-2012

Culminating Project Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Higher Education Administration: Ed.D.

Department

Educational Administration and Higher Education

College

School of Education

First Advisor

Christine Imbra

Second Advisor

Katheryn Mayhew

Third Advisor

Daniel Macari

Fourth Advisor

Gabriela Silvestre

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

Leadership, Social, Change Model, Undergraduate Leadership, Development

Abstract

Given the widespread popularity of the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (SCM) in college student leadership literature, there is a surprising lack of attention to the assessment of leadership skills associated with this model. This study was aimed at gaining a greater understanding of leadership through an assessment of leadership attributes associated with the SCM. This research study was quasiexperimental and examined a leadership development series at a public, 4-year, Midwestern university. Undergraduate college students participated in a leadership development series over the ·course of a semester, with a follow-up analysis completed 2- 3 weeks into the second semester. Participants in this study were assessed using the Socially Responsible Leadership Scale - Revision 2 (SRLS-R2). An analysis of students participating in the three-track leadership series was compared to a group of students not participating in the series. The results indicated a lack of statistical significance between the treatment and control group. However, the results displayed statistical significance associated with the SCM construct of citizenship, one of the seven constructs associated with this model. While the research hypotheses for this study were rejected, the data is important for institutions of higher education as leadership development programs continue to become part of the undergraduate college experience.

Comments/Acknowledgements

This study is the result of many talented and dedicated individuals working together. I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to all the individuals who have assisted me along the way, toward completion of this degree. First and foremost, my dissertation committee members made the success of this dissertation possible. I extend the greatest gratitude to my outstanding committee chair, Dr. Christine M. Imbra, for her expertise in leadership development, and continued support and encouragement throughout the dissertation process. Her efficiency and timeliness in providing feedback and edits was much appreciated. Her guidance provided me with the necessary support to progress quickly and efficiently through this vital component of my degree. To my exceptional committee members, Dr. Macari, Dr. Mayhew, and Dr. Silvestre, for providing the expertise, insight, and encouragement to continually move forward in my research.

The dissertation is a tremendous, often daunting and isolating process that would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of many individuals. To my exceptional partner, Michelle, for listening to me rejoice on the good days and vent on the frustrating days. She was there every day to encourage, support, and love me, and spent countless hours and days without me as I completed the requirements for this degree. Knowing she loved and supported me throughout this process made the completion of my degree a reality. For that, and much more, I love her dearly. To the . many friends and family members who supported me throughout this process, I appreciated their willingness to sacrifice time spent together so I could achieve this educational goal. While our time together was minimal, it offered much-needed opportunities for enjoyment, and I appreciated the outlets of laughter and fun.

The expertise of many individuals was pulled together for the completion of this degree, and the support of each person was essential. I would like to acknowledge the doctoral cohort members who worked alongside me throughout this degree, for being the support to answer questions related to coursework or research, and for providing continued encouragement. Without this outstanding group of individuals, the completion of this degree would have been much more difficult. To Cherie and Bob Pettitt, for providing me with the statistical assistance and guidance at a time when I felt I could not move forward with this dissertation. Their help, patience, and friendship guided me through a time of tremendous frustration. To Tracy Rahim, who worked so hard to develop the leadership series used in this study and for allowing me to conduct my research using the series. I am also grateful to the participants who provided their time and effort to complete the surveys that provided the data for this study.

The success I have experienced in my doctoral degree was, in part, a result of the wonderful people who surrounded and supported me. I am eternally grateful for the role each person played, and will forever be thankful for the encouragement and support given to me throughout this important milestone. Thank you.

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