Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Angela Kline, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Mark Davis, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Michelle Wade, Ph.D.

Abstract

Higher education has demonstrable value for individuals and our collective society. The primary outcomes of higher education have been focused on supporting democracy, preparing an educated workforce, and ensuring economic success. Policy makers, higher education advocates, and the public have debated the role of higher education as both a public and private good. This study applied a public values framework to higher education to ensure the goals and expectations for universities remain focused on the collective good. The purpose of the study was to identify and define the public values of higher education through a case study approach that combines university website content and stakeholder interviews from four institutions of higher education. Utilizing a public values framework, the results indicate normative consensus on three primary public values of higher education: democracy, equity, and workforce development. Future research should confirm and refine these values to realign the purposes, strategies, outcomes, and financial support of higher education.

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