Challenges Facing Community Colleges: Perceptions of Chief Academic Officers in Nine States

ABSTRACT

Recent economic events and constantly-shifting priorities continue to challenge the traditional hallmarks of community colleges: responsiveness, adaptability, and flexibility. Institutional leaders are increasingly questioning whether the comprehensive community college model and, more importantly, open access, are still sustainable in today's austere funding environment. Drawing on research that predicted many of the unique issues and challenges currently plaguing community colleges, this study assessed the extent to which these items have come to fruition. A 9-state survey of community college chief academic officers provided insight regarding how their respective institutions have been impacted by these issues and challenges. The results indicated that fiscal matters remain the dominant challenge, as community colleges strive to “be all things to all people.” Without additional funding and/or new strategies, institutional leaders may face even greater challenges; most notably, dismantling the comprehensive model or redefining open access.