Program
Education Doctorate
Year Approved
2019
First Advisor
Nichols, Pauline
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the essence of lived experiences of current Latin American and Caribbean theological seminary deans who had remained in their positions five or more consecutive years. The study was designed to hear deans’ voices and gain a deeper understanding of deans who had decided to continue in the same institution even in the midst of challenging situations. By hearing the deans’ perspectives, and based on their descriptions, the researcher identified and discovered shared patterns of recurring themes that had contributed to their proven longevity in academic leadership. Through Appreciative Inquiry discovery phase questions, the researcher collected stories to identify strengths and form an intentional list of affirming, positive and desired outcomes to improve their own institutions. Responsibility, integrity, intentionality, and trust remained invariable in the lived experiences of Latin American and Caribbean theological seminary deans who were studied.
Degree Name
Education Doctorate
Document Type
Doctoral dissertation
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Deluca Voth, M. E. (2019). The Essence of Deanship: 18 Long-tenure Latin American and Caribbean Theological Seminary Deans [Doctoral dissertation, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/161