Date of Award

6-20-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Arup Varma

Abstract

This research study has been designed to be an evergreen project to help higher education institutions define their external partnerships. The action research model has been used to create and test a model of external engagement, which was later redefined as the Reaney Model of External Engagement with the intent for continuous improvement. Further modification of this research study will need to be tested to strengthen the Reaney Model of External Engagement core while considering external factors that create challenges within the higher education space. Challenges that may arise to help higher education institutions clearly define external partnerships may include, but are not limited to, power dynamics within the institution, external and internal political climate, the financial health of the higher education institution, and unforeseen external factors (i.e., 2020 pandemic). Assuming the best intent of both parties (i.e., the higher education institution and the external partner), a common ground on how the levels of engagement are utilized is critical to the model's success at its core. Communicating with external and internal stakeholders who would and should utilize the model is most important to relationship building and moving external partners to a deeper level of engagement within the university.

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