| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to explore the notion of "public good" among African Americans, who have been employed as professional staff on coordinating governing boards in higher education, in the State of Oklahoma. In this study, the areas of interest focused on African Americans' view of diversity, access and admissions, community relations, employment of administration, faculty and staff in relation to serving on coordinating governing boards. Additionally, accountability, affordability and globalization were elements also addressed in the study in relation to the notion of "public good." To gain "thick and rich" description, qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews, documents, videos, and artifacts were used to collect data. Three participants served as the primary focus of this study. These participants have served as staff workers of a coordinating governing board of the State of Oklahoma. The results of the study revealed the following: (1) African Americans' participation on coordinating governing boards in the State of Oklahoma; (2) there is a lack of African Americans serving on coordinating governing boards in the State of Oklahoma; (3) recognized perceived notion of their influence on policy issues; (4) gained an appreciation of serving on the coordinating governing board staff as a meaningful contribution to higher education; and (5) modeled and mentored other African Americans who aspired to serve on coordinating governing boards in higher education. This study further emphasized a perspective in the need to appoint and select more African Americans and other minorities who are pursuing a position in higher education as a member of a coordinating governing board or staff workers as well as other top level administrative positions. | |
