Gen X and Millennial Community College Leaders Offer the Leadership of the Future

During the past century, the roles of community college presidents have changed significantly. Leaders have had to keep pace with a changing economy and workforce, readjusting their strategies to focus less on traditional economic models while navigating recent poly-pandemics (COVID-19 and racial injustice) that have spotlighted issues permeating higher education. What remained an enigma, until recently, are voices of younger Gen X and Millennial leaders. In a 2021 study, Minority Community College CEOs Perceptions of Underrepresentation, Preparation and Ascension to the Presidency, 34 currently serving and/or emeritus African American, Asian Pacific Islander and Latino/Hispanic CEOs were interviewed —13 of the CEOs reflected the newest and least-explored generation. The research offered a glimpse into the leadership style of these younger leaders.

CharMaine HinesMany Gen X and Millennial leaders arrive in their roles via non-traditional pathways, are technologically astute and are more diverse than previous generations of community college presidents. They also possess an abundance of cultural wealth that resonates with their students and community members, which they see as value-added capital. One African American female president interviewee put it this way: "If you look at a lot of women of color who are in the presidency, and people of color period, there is a life story that gave them a certain amount of grit and distinction because it was preparing them for what's going to happen next. I have a life story that prepared me for this moment."

Many CEOs’ experiences and journeys mirror those of their students, providing them a keen perspective on how to maintain an open door, open access and success agenda. As one Latino male president noted: "Seventy percent of my students are still first-generation college students in 2020. Eighty-seven percent of them are on some type of financial aid or scholarship — I just feel it's a tremendous responsibility, but a real opportunity as well to serve this community who needs us [leaders of color] so desperately."

Leaders caution against describing equity as limited to the student experience because, as an African American male president said, “We then make it palatable to deal with the population but not with the problem.” Yet, they highlight the transformative potential of higher education, as in the words of this Asian Pacific Islander female CEO: "Education is key to any anti-poverty work. … I'm privileged to be able to contribute."

Compared to presidents from older generations, the Gen X and Millennial presidents who participated in the study offered perspectives that were more attuned to creating environments that foster inclusive and diverse climates that support equity in student resources and achievement. Study findings provided the following insights about these younger leaders:

• They use an equity-minded approach to leadership and strategy to align the mission of the institution around student success for all learners.

• They are cognizant of and attuned to identifying and eradicating symbols in institutional culture that malign diverse and inclusive environments.