The Involvement of Academic Leaders in Fundraising Efforts at Public Research Institutions

• Main Author: Kozak, Elizabeth Gaughf
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Data Analysis; Education finance; Educational leadership; Enrollment Trends; Higher Education Administration; Literature Reviews; Student Experience; Universities
• ISBN: 9798780620839

The purpose of this study was to explore how academic leaders are involved in fundraising efforts in public research institutions. The findings contribute new knowledge about fundraising structure and processes occurring between development staff and academic leaders. Fundraising accounts for a large part of the operating budget of public research institutions and there is little research about how it happens, especially parts of the process involving individuals outside of fundraising staff. There are no known research studies exploring this topic. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 academic leaders identified by fundraising staff as playing a significant role in fundraising efforts. The academic leader participants were significantly involved in fundraising efforts, they learned from experience, they collaborated often with fundraisers, and they report experiencing some challenges. They are eager for better fundraising training opportunities and most feel fundraising will become a more significant responsibility for all individuals in academia—even faculty members who are not in leadership roles. The findings have implications for leaders of public research institutions, development practitioners, and higher education scholars. The findings detail current trends of academic leader involvement, the impact of academic leaders on fundraising practices, and challenges associated with fundraising in academia. The findings suggest a need for the development of best practices to improve future outcomes as academic leaders become more greatly involved in fundraising efforts.