Silva, Rito , Jr. (2009-06). The career development of successful Hispanic administrators in higher education: a Delphi study. Doctoral Dissertation.
Thesis
The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to identify the successful experiences and strategies implemented by Hispanic administrators who have a successful career in higher education and (2) to take a futuristic look at the careers of Hispanic administrators in higher education by identifying recommendations and strategies proposed by a panel of successful Hispanic administrators to help Hispanics in the future. To focus on the career development of Hispanic administrators, a Delphi panel of 11 administrators who serve in the role of Vice-Presidents, Presidents and Chancellors from across the country was utilized. This research used a computer-based Delphi technique. A portion of the three-round study was sponsored by the Center for Distance Learning Research (CDLR) at Texas A&M University. The first round was open-ended. Panelists were asked to answer four research questions. Those items were then put into common themes and sent out for rankings on a 4 point Likert scale for Round 2. Panelists were also given another opportunity to add items to the list during Round 2. Round 3 asked panelists to review their rankings, group rankings and standard deviations. Then they were given an opportunity to change their rankings or keep them the same. Panelists also ranked items that were added during Round 2. A consensus was established on items that were rated either a 3 (agree) or a 4 (strongly agree) by all panelists. Through this study, a total of 48 items met consensus on the four research questions. Many of the items that met consensus addressed the need of inter- and intrapersonal skills as well as leadership abilities. Among the highest ranking items were obtaining a doctoral degree, personal motivation, ability to work with others, communication skills and people skills. Among the recommendations, based on the consensus items, are the creation of a University Minority Graduate Identification Program and the development of an Executive Leadership Program for Minorities.
