Leadership in Higher Education: Role of Persons-in-Charge of Internationalization Efforts in Community Colleges

The purpose of this research was to understand the role carried out by persons-in-charge of campus internationalization efforts at community colleges. The comprehension of this leadership role encompassed identifying and understanding profile and qualities of the person-in-charge of campus internationalization efforts as well as the duties and responsibilities of these individuals. The extent to which the person-in-charge of campus internationalization efforts received institutional support, and the tribulations or challenges they faced as they worked on the internationalization initiatives of their respective institutions were also explored, alongside their personal view of internationalization with respect to globalization. This study added to the existing body of knowledge since little research has been conducted regarding the organizational and leadership focus towards campus internationalization efforts especially at the community colleges level. This survey research was conducted with members from two national organizations who were considered leaders involved in campus internationalization efforts at their respective community colleges nationwide. The voluntary and anonymous survey instrument was administered online. Data analysis for quantitative data was descriptive, while responses to open-ended questions were summarized. One can conclude from the research findings that the profile and designation of the persons-in-charge of campus internationalization efforts are still developing, given the varying titles the respondents had and different supervisors to whom they reported. Furthermore, the results indicate that the major roles and responsibilities carried out by these leaders were beyond only overseeing international students and encouraging their own students to engage in study abroad and/or exchange programs. The duties included bringing together senior administrators, faculty, and students via strategic planning, institutional relations, and collaborations through internal/external advisory boards, and faculty policies affecting curriculum internationalization amongst others. The results indicated that the professional and personal traits best suited for this leadership position would be the individual who is aware of what internationalization in community college entails, has management experience, is articulate and is highly motivated. Hence, comprehending the role of existing persons-in-charge of campus internationalization efforts in community colleges helps to understand the unique profile, roles, and responsibilities as well as professional and personal qualities embodied by these leaders. It also enables senior leadership of the institutions to understand the kind of support required and challenges faced by such individuals to ensure comprehensive internationalization efforts take off and are successful at their respective community colleges