Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Fall 10-21-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

November 2025

Department

Educational Leadership and Research Methodology

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Jennifer L. Bloom

Abstract

Scant research is available on how university leaders make decisions and communicate those decisions to their stakeholders during times of crisis. The purpose of this case study was to better understand the decision-making process used by administrative leaders at a higher education institution during a time of organizational crisis. This study examined decision-making by higher education leaders within and across different functional areas at a single higher education institution between February 2020 and September 2020, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis. Although research exists on decision-making during crises, there is limited research on decision-making within higher education institutions during a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This research sought to help future university leaders better understand the processes and outcomes of decision-making by higher education leaders during a crisis.

Four findings and nine themes emerged from this study. The study found that the decisions higher education leaders made during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on focused on policy, staffing, finance, and students. It also revealed that higher education leaders described their decision-making process as collaborative approach, student-centered, and focused on the safety and well-being of those involved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional findings included how internal and external stakeholders influenced the decisions made by higher education leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how higher education leaders described their decision-making process as remaining similar during the pandemic versus before or after it. The findings may also guide other higher education leaders in improving their decision-making skills during crises.

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