State‐level coordination for community college student success

Abstract

AbstractHigher education governance of community colleges is understudied. Driving an increased focus on community college coordination and oversight at the state level are the role of access from dual enrollment to adult learners, the need to smooth the transfer function of community colleges, jobs requiring educational attainment beyond high school, and reorganization of higher education governance to assist in achieving state attainment goals. This article addresses three topics relevant to state‐level governance of community colleges. First, it explains the various types of state‐level community college coordination (e.g., governing, coordination, association). Second, it highlights results from a State Higher Education Executive Officers Association's (SHEEO) survey on the functions of state‐level community college governing boards, coordinating boards, and associations. Third, it offers conclusions from the survey results and suggestions for action by community college practitioners and researchers.