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A relationship with two-year postsecondary education: A case study

LaVern Earl Franzen, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe one person's experiences that resulted from his participation in the initial organizational efforts of a two-year postsecondary education system in Nebraska and from the long-time relationship he maintained while on a community college's governing board. The study explored issues and events that led one individual to develop an interest in two-year postsecondary education, what he experienced from a long-time relationship with what is now the Nebraska community college system, and how he maintained the relationship for almost 30 years. Data collection strategies included a series of interviews with the primary informant. In addition to the primary informant, seven other individuals were identified and interviewed during the data collection phase of the study. To guide the process, one set of semi-structured questions was used for interviewing the primary informant, another set for secondary informants. In addition to the interviews, data were gathered from the Nebraska Community College Association Office, from media files kept in the college president's office, and from observation notes maintained by the researcher. All data collected were coded and analyzed to identify recurring themes. From the data analysis process, two fundamental themes associated with the primary informant that evolved were leadership preparation and board member experiences. Secondary themes that emerged in the study were framed in sub- chapters. Secondary themes were: (a) early years; (b) educational experiences; (c) business beginning; (d) community involvement; (e) postsecondary vocational education involvement; (f) vision; (g) interest in vocational education; (h) economic development interest; (i) positive attitude; (j) reaction to negative; (k) student interest; and (l) being a board member. Conclusions, implications, and recommendations for board members or those interested in becoming a board member are also included.

Subject Area

School administration|Community colleges|Management

Recommended Citation

Franzen, LaVern Earl, "A relationship with two-year postsecondary education: A case study" (1995). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9600735.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9600735

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