Community college vice presidents for institutional advancement: Role expectations, fundraising responsibilities, professional relationships, and commitment to the institution

This study examined how the role expectations, responsibilities toward fundraising, and professional relationships by the vice president of institutional advancement influenced commitment to the institution. A qualitative analysis was conducted across the mid-Atlantic region by interviewing community college vice presidents of institutional advancement and reviewing archival data related to the position.;The results of this study showed that the office of institutional advancement should follow the model established in 1958 by the American College Public Relations Association. This model structured public relations, alumni relations, and fundraising within the advancement office, each area reporting to the vice president of institutional advancement. Additional findings revealed that clear policy, procedure, and protocol enhance the effectiveness of internal and external giving to the college. Community college foundations and advancement offices need to build stronger and longer lasting relationships with alumni starting with their enrollment as students.;Unexpected findings revealed personal student interaction with the vice president for institutional advancement was vital to vice president for institutional advancement commitment to the institution. The location of the department of institutional advancement also is indicative of the vice president's for institutional advancement perception of job effectiveness.