Insights from Alumni: A Grounded Theory Study of a Graduate Program in Sustainability Leadership

Heather Burns and Megan Schneider
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Heather Burns: Educational Leadership and Policy, College of Education, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Megan Schneider: Educational Leadership and Policy, College of Education, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 19, 1-14

Abstract: This grounded theory action research study examines the impact of a graduate sustainability leadership program through the lens of its alumni. The study reveals elements of the leadership program that had the most impact on the lives and careers of its alumni, as well as suggestions for how the program could better prepare students in the future. This study finds that impactful sustainability leadership programs might incorporate opportunities for: paradigm and perspective shifts; a culture of support and care; holistic personal growth and development; experiential community-based learning opportunities; and leadership tools and skills that students can practice and use. This study also indicates that future students of sustainability leadership in higher education could benefit from more career preparation and job transition support, and from more emphasis on critical theory, social justice, and diversity/inclusion in all coursework. Implications for program design and implementation are discussed, including suggestions for future practice.

Keywords: sustainability leadership; leadership development; higher education; grounded theory; action research; sustainability education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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