Community College Leadership Defined

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a reliable and valid assessment instrument to be used to determine an individual or a group's disposition as it relates to the six community college leadership competencies identified by the American Association of Community Colleges. In addressing the need for such an assessment, the author describes the history of community college leadership development and the current leadership crisis facing community colleges. Responses to this crisis by professional associations and educational institutions are described. The author looks at various definitions and descriptions of leadership competencies specific to community colleges and presents information on how leadership is taught and learned, venues and methods for community college leadership development activities, and the evaluation of training programs and participant learning. The assessment instrument developed through this study was found to be reliable and valid and is suggested for a variety of audiences, including current and aspiring community college leaders, those responsible for leadership development activities, and human resource professionals.