Poster - #VH-58527 - Keywords: Higher education small private colleges liberal arts colleges financial challenges innovation entrepreneurship transformation strategic plans

DOCUMENT ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIC PLANS OF SMALL PRIVATE LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTIONS

Jillain Veil-Ehnert, Concordia College and University of North Dakota; and Jocelyn Gutierrez, University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota Concordia College

ABSTRACT:
This qualitative study provides interpretations of the nature of strategic plans at small private liberal arts institutions. The study explored the concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformation detailed in the plans. This study included a specific cohort of eight United States small private liberal arts colleges with similar characteristics regarding academic programs, enrollment, and fiscal stability. The research was conducted through document analysis of the institutions’ publicly available strategic plans. The data collected illustrates what the documents indicates about innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformation at small private liberal arts colleges. Key findings on innovations in the plans included a focus on applied learning opportunities for students, career focused curriculum, and transparency of challenges.