Date of Conferral

5-14-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Education

Advisor

Sydney Parent

Abstract

Perceptions of higher education leaders (HELs) regarding faculty attrition and effective strategies to help manage challenges associated with voluntary and involuntary resignations were unknown. Guided by Bush’s educational management theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore HELs’ perceptions regarding faculty attrition. Research questions investigated perceptions of HELs regarding faculty attrition and how they perceived faculty attrition in their institutions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 HELs, including academic deans, vice provosts, department chairpersons, program directors, and board of regents members. Thematic analysis was conducted using open and axial coding of the interview data. Themes included provision of competitive salaries and resources for faculty at HEIs, underrepresentation of Black faculty at HEIs and its impact on student retention, economic changes which influence college student enrollment, and concerns about faculty resignations and departmental management at HEIs. Findings from this study may contribute to positive social change by offering recommendations from HELs regarding faculty attrition and assisting HELs in managing challenges associated with faculty attrition and retention of college students.

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