International Study of Leadership Development in Higher Education (ISLDHE)

Abstract

The study, which is a work in progress, investigates the leadership development in higher education, at an international level with participating countries, including Puerto Rico. The objective is to investigate the efficacy of the academic programs available for professionals occupying leadership roles such as Head of Department/School, Dean, Chancellor and President in universities, colleges and institutes. In Puerto Rico, the following institutions offer a Master's Degree and/or Doctorate in Educational Leadership: Interamerican University of PR, University of Puerto Rico, Universidad del Turabo, Universidad Metropolitana, Nova Southeastern University, Cambridge College, National University College, University of Sacred Heart, and University of Phoenix.

The research focuses on analyzing the courses of the curriculum offered by each institution, which are aimed at developing the necessary skills and knowledge to be an effective leader in an educational environment, specifically, at a higher education institution. Additionally, an analysis is carried out, of literature published as a result of the academic programs completed by students, these include dissertations and theses that focuses on the topic of leadership development in higher education institutions.

Findings demonstrate that Nova Southeastern University is the only institution offering a concentration in Higher Education Leadership and as a fruition of this program, has published two dissertations.