Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Higher Education Administration

Major Professor

Pamela Angelle

Committee Members

Patrick Biddix, Sonya Hayes, Katherine High

Abstract

Large public R1 university presidents in the United States lead highly complex institutions, face ambiguous issues on a daily basis, and have little time to dwell on decision making while embodying a complex and evolving role. Presidents’ needs include efficiency, trust, confidants, and constant information flow through their offices. To address these needs, presidents may consider hiring a chief of staff. This qualitative study using a case study methodology examines the perceptions of six recently retired university presidents and why they did or did not hire a chief of staff to help them. Three presidents who did have a chief of staff and three presidents who did not have a chief of staff were interviewed for this study to better understand how they described the necessity of hiring a chief of staff as well as factors that influenced their decision to hire a chief of staff. Findings from this study can help presidents better understand the needs of their difficult roles and how they may address them through the hiring of a chief of staff. Additionally, findings may help chiefs of staff understand what presidents require of them should they desire to pursue the job.

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