Size does not matter : creating an anchor institution model for small urban colleges / Michael J. Sorrell.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Sorrell, Michael J., 1966- author.

Contributor:

Gasman, Marybeth, degree supervisor, degree committee member.

Kaplan, Eric, degree committee member.

Solnick, Steven L., degree committee member.

University of Pennsylvania. Higher Education Administration, degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Penn dissertations--Education.

Education--Penn dissertations.

Penn dissertations--Higher education administration.

Higher education administration--Penn dissertations.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--Education.

Education--Penn dissertations.

Penn dissertations--Higher education administration.

Higher education administration--Penn dissertations.

Physical Description:

xiii, 226 leaves ; 29 cm

Production:

[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania] : University of Pennsylvania, 2015.

Summary:

America faces significant societal challenges, and higher education must play a role in responding to these problems. Among the places where higher education's engagement is most needed is in the inner cities of the country. These communities will not be transformed without a number of committed parties, who are anchored in these communities, working together to solve the pervasive issues facing their residents. The impact that anchor institutions, defined as large research universities, are having on their host cities and surrounding neighborhoods has been well explored. However, there has been little research done on how to measure the social and economic impact that the most common type of urban college, institutions with 5,000 students or less, have on their communities. The failure to adequately examine the civic and economic development possibilities of these small colleges and universities is an oversight that prevents higher education from maximizing its ability to strengthen these communities. This dissertation seeks to address that gap by asking and answering the question: Is the Work College model, as utilized by Berea College in Kentucky, a viable anchor institution framework for small urban colleges to adopt? This dissertation used qualitative research and case study methods to expand the understanding of the role higher education can play in both the economic and social development of urban populations. Additionally, it identifies points of intersection between the seemingly disparate urban and Appalachian populations and the historical purpose of higher education. Lastly, it presents a fresh model for both scholars and practitioners to explore as they each search for ways to use higher education to improve the quality of life for under-resourced populations.

Notes:

Ed. D. University of Pennsylvania 2015.

Department: Higher Education Administration

Supervisor: Marybeth Gasman.

Includes bibliographical references.

OCLC:

946766212