Emerging Trends and Approaches to Student Leadership within Higher Education

Abstract

This study investigates the trends and challenges surrounding student leadership in higher education. While leadership development is a priority for many institutions, existing research suggests that current efforts may not be sufficient, highlighting a need for new strategies and programs. This research uncovers key issues in student leadership while addressing gaps in existing literature. The study concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance leadership participation and engagement at institutions nationwide.

Previous research emphasizes the transformative power of extracurricular activities and leadership positions for students’ future careers. However, studies show that many students are reluctant to engage in these activities, with barriers being particularly pronounced for marginalized populations. This study bridges these research gaps by exploring these challenges through the perspectives of both students and faculty, incorporating insights into post-pandemic shifts and evolving leadership dynamics.

The research involves surveying students and faculty in higher education. Participants responded to a mix of open-ended, scale-rating, and multiple-choice questions to explore their perceptions of leadership accessibility, barriers, and potential improvements. The survey was administered through East Carolina University’s Qualtrics platform.

The findings from this study reinforce that leadership is perceived in many different ways and each student has a different perspective on what they think leadership is. Higher education must adopt a developmental mindset, seeing leadership not as an opportunity reserved for a select group of students, but rather as a skillset that should be cultivated and taught to all of their students. With the right programs and processes, institutions can transform how students perceive leadership.