The face of Ohio's two-year colleges has been changing over the past several years. Two-year colleges continue to face increased demand from the communities they serve, tougher funding models from the state and large enrollment increases.
The problem of this study was to (a) compare and partially replicate the demographic data of the 1989 Trustee profile presented by J.W. Hill to the 2003 trustee data from the current study, including personal, career and educational characteristics of the trustees of Ohio's two year college system. (b) the study explored trustee training and their perceived needs in training. (c) investigate the self reported perceptions of trustees as they understand the nature of their roles, the depth and breadth of their knowledge and responsibilities.
Descriptive statistics were used to describe and understand who is the two year college trustee in 2003. Further, trustees were asked to rate questions describing training received and desired. The data collected on the various scales and questions measuring trustee perceptions, utilized various statistical techniques evaluating correlation of scales with demographics and specific questions. Significance would be at .05 alpha level. Comparison of data collected was compared with national data whenever such data was available.
The face of the two year college trustee has changed little in over 15 years, while the demographic face of the students in higher education has changed significantly. With racial and gender equality having been a focus of private and public sector arenas over the past forty years it is essential that key leadership of higher education reflects this emphasis in diversity. National, state and local leadership must recommit to new models for providing all levels of training for their trustees. The success of the two year trustee is dependent upon the depth of knowledge as well as the advocacy of role of trustee can provide their institution.