The study of the role of community colleges through mission statements and presidential perception in the neoliberal era

Community colleges are in a state of conflict in their models. The purpose of the study
was to examine community college mission statements and community college presidents’
perceptions of neoliberalism and its impact in higher education in the United States. This study
employed a qualitative research paradigm with strong emphasis in critical theory. These data
were then categorized and analyzed to determine if the neoliberal era has impacted these
community colleges. The sustainability of higher education and student success is hinged on the
ability to provide supports that mitigate barriers faced by diverse populations.
The study involved interviewing presidents from Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader
Colleges and analyzed mission statements from these presidents’ institutions. Presidential
interviews and mission statements from 17 ATD Leader Colleges comprised the data collection
for this study. Mission statements and interview transcripts were coded to capture themes. The
findings of the study revealed the need for alignment between mission statements and
presidential ideologies, and for those ideologies to be rooted in human agency. Ability of
community colleges to meet the basic needs of students could serve as a catalyst for student
success and social equity.
The Papa Equity Nautilus was created from the findings of the study and illustrate the
role of community colleges in the neoliberal era. The Papa Equity Nautilus can serve to assess an
institution’s mission, vision, or values to determine where they lean on the spectrum of human
agency and neoliberalism. Assessment of mission, vision, and values should be continuous so as
to ensure relevancy to current education, political and economic climate, and other conditions.
As some view the community college as the provider of a local workforce, these institutions do
so much more as they are charged with serving the neediest students.
Increasingly, community college students are challenged with meeting students’ basic
needs. Challenges witnessed by community colleges have required redesigning the ways in
which students are supported and served. This study confirmed that ATD Leader Colleges are
focused on the human agency elements of their students while understanding the neoliberal crux.