An Examination of Succession Planning in Christian Higher Education

Abstract

Intertwined into the fabric of Christian higher education is the distinct mission to educate students through a biblical worldview. The challenge to remain rooted in non-negotiable values has amplified as increasing pressures threaten to alter that mission. The need for a pipeline of qualified Christian leaders suited for senior leadership roles in these institutions is necessary to avoid compromising the mission. With minimal research in this area, the purpose of this study was to examine the current landscape of succession planning within Christian higher education, specifically within the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). A qualitative narrative case study was utilized with a two-phase approach, including a survey and follow-up interviews. Each participant held one of four roles at CCCU institutions: president, provost, vice president for student affairs, or vice president for administration. The major finding of this study is that succession plans are few and far between, with most succession planning happening at the informal level. This study identified the following five themes related to informal succession planning within the CCCU: (a) multiple interpretations of succession planning, (b) uncertainty and fatigue, (c) senior leader investment, (d) leadership development, and (e) a connection to institutional identity and culture. This study contributes to the literature by recognizing that informal succession planning is attainable for CCCU institutions through intentional senior leader investment, purposeful and ongoing leadership development, and the creation and prioritization of work environments where employees are valued as individuals, encouraged to cultivate goals, and empowered to work toward them.