The role of the president in advancing development at community colleges: A case study

While community colleges have historically received their funding from federal and state sources, the availability of these funds have been declining significantly over the last ten years, driving them to seek alternative funding. Critical to this is the creation of advancement initiatives, and therein development offices, which are relatively new for these institutions Inherent in this are the processes involved in securing resources to sustain the institution, including development of a comprehensive program of annual giving. The introduction of advancement initiatives shapes every aspect of the educational enterprise, and not surprisingly, the role of the president is key in the management of this endeavor. I conduct a single case study that examines the role of the president in advancement initiatives. My focus is on Dr. Joseph Hankin and Westchester Community College (WCC). In my research, 1 highlight the critical stages of fund raising campaigns at WCC and the role(s) Hankin plays in the cultivation and management of relationships necessary for financial success. Pertinent data is gathered, which includes information gleaned from institutional/historical documentation, as well as a series of interviews with Hankin, and his staff Comparisons are made with the other community colleges using a survey. This survey inquires about the fund raising practices of the presidents at the other twenty-nine SUNY community colleges, and serves to better understand the various constituents involved in advancement efforts. This research aids in defining and chronicling the processes involved in the creation of effective advancement initiatives, especially at two-year institutions of higher learning. It also give insights into the role(s) a president can play in the development of these initiatives, and outlines key elements like friend-raising that are critical in the construction of a successful advancement initiative