Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of mid-level
administrators in California community colleges, the challenges that they face in their
positions, and more importantly, to explore the learning process that mid-level
administrators engage in to cultivate their leadership skills to address those challenges
and prepare for higher level administrative positions. The study will describe the type of
knowledge and skills that mid-level administrators believed to be necessary in order for
them to be successful as managers. The study will also explore middle managers’
experiences with leadership training and mentoring. Finally, the study will also explore
mid-level administrators’ perception of the leadership resources available to them and
whether the current training programs can prepare them for the next administrative