Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Abstract

Degree Name

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Emile Hawkins

Second Advisor

Dr. Joshua Henson

Abstract

Defense Date August 28th, 2025

Candidate Name Amanda McDonald

Personal Email Address amanda.mcdonald@betheluniversity.edu

First Advisor Dr. Emile Hawkins

Second Advisor Dr. Joshua Henson

Project Type DSL Final Project: Educational Workshop

Project Overview

Transformational Leadership has proven to impact institutional retention at a small Christian College located in the upper Midwest. This project provided support to faculty members who were interested in identifying personal leadership styles and the impact personal leadership has on retention. Faculty gained knowledge supporting the four characteristics of Transformational Leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individual consideration, and intellectual stimulation

Project Themes

Transformational Leadership Skills and the Impact on Retention Practices encompasses three key components designed to optimize institutional retention, Transformational Leadership Skills, and Faculty-Student Relationships, designed to enhance faculty's ability to understand Transformational Leadership, personal leadership practices, and the impact Transformational Leadership plays on retention. Faculty engaged in a modified MLQ assessment and open discussion supporting engagement and learning. Delivering Transformational Leadership Skills, best Retention Practices, and Faculty-Student Relationships supports increased institutional retention.

Contributions to the Field of Leadership

Transformational Leadership skills enhance institutional retention rates at a small Christian College located in the upper Midwest by implementing idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individual consideration, and intellectual stimulation. Administrators benefit from understanding the leadership styles of key department leaders. Transformational Leaders display idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individual consideration, and intellectual stimulation. Continued exploration of Transformational Leadership Skills and the Impact of Retention should continue to support and expand on the research of this project.

Real-world Implications

This project serves administrators and faculty in small Christian Colleges, offering Transformational Leadership knowledge, self-awareness, and positive retention results. Increasing institutional retention supports a healthy operating budget and student experiences. Positive Transformational Leaders develop meaningful relationships with students, supporting both academic and career development.

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