Date of Award
Spring 4-18-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
April 2026
Department
Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
College Granting Degree
College of Education
Department Granting Degree
Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Robert Shockley
Abstract
This dissertation explored leadership responses to integrating sustainability into higher education institutions (HEIs). Specifically, it compared statistical differences between self-perceptions of leadership and student, staff, and faculty perceptions regarding leadership effectiveness for sustainability in two Florida based HEIs: one holding a sustainability certification and one without such certification. In response to a shortage of survey instruments regarding this topic, I produced a new instrument to assess perceptions of leadership sustainability, made statistical comparisons between these two institutions to inform others of those perceptions, and synthesized several leadership components into a proposed change process identified as the Attitude Based Cognitive Dissonance Process (ABCD Process). My research has at its core the conceptual framework of Transformational Leadership (TL). It suggests possible emerging elements that could strengthen or weaken the effectiveness of TL in assessing and changing sustainability practices in HEI’s.
Recommended Citation
Coleman, Ray F., "BECOMING LASER-FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 249.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/249