Publication Date
8-2024
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
4-1-2019
Type of Culminating Activity
Dissertation
Degree Title
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration
Department Filter
Public Administration
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Supervisory Committee Chair
Jaclyn Kettler, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Stephanie Witt, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Jeffrey Lyons, Ph.D.
Abstract
Previous research on candidate emergence has typically focused on high-profile national and state offices. Absent from this topic is a focused interest in community college trustees and the factors contributing to their taking a trustee position, including their recruitment to a board (Mellow & Heelan, 2008). Through the lens of candidate ambition theory and political recruitment theory, this study investigated the demographics, characteristics, and perceptions of elected Oregon community college trustees concerning their recruitment and ambitions for service as board members. My research addressed the following three questions:
- What role, if any, does recruitment play in the decision to serve as a college trustee? Who are the important or influential recruiters for college trustees?
- Are these board members politically ambitious candidates?
- Are there significant differences among elected Oregon community college trustee initial decisions to run for office based on demographic and background characteristics?
This study aimed to provide a better understanding of community college trustees and the role of political ambition and recruitment in their decision to run for these offices. The role of gender was examined across the three research questions. Using Sidorsky’s (2019) State Political Pathways Survey as a guide, I developed the Oregon Community College Trustee Survey and surveyed 48 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and quantitative analysis.
Aligning with political recruitment theory, 69% of respondents reported they were recruited or appointed to run. Of those recruited, most were encouraged by the community college president or other board members to consider running for a board position. Although most community college trustees did not report these elected positions as steppingstones to higher office, interestingly, more women than men reported political ambition and interest in other higher elected positions. Although some board members reported they were seeking an elected position broadly, results suggested the right recruiter can help motivate a nonambitious candidate to run for a community college board position. Understanding what factors influence a person’s decision to serve on a community college board, and how these college board members are encouraged to run for office, adds to the literature in this understudied area. Finally, studying this frequently overlooked but vital office also offers insights for broader studies on why individuals run for other elected positions.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18122/td.2240.boisestate
Recommended Citation
Lee, Abby, "Oregon Community College Trustee Survey: A Look at the Role of Ambition and Recruitment in Community College Board Members’ Decision to Run for Elected Office" (2024). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 2240.
https://doi.org/10.18122/td.2240.boisestate
