An exploratory multiple case study of succession planning for higher education community engagement practitioners in selected higher education institutions in theSoutheastern region of the United States

Succession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this
research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results revealed that HEIs are not currently using succession planning strategies for the HECEP role. Further, although the study revealed that professional development opportunities for HECEPs exist, only 50% of institutional study participants were aware of, and participated. Finally, based on the credentials of individuals currently in HECEP roles and data obtained from this study (including data from an expert judge linked to the professional development program analyzed as part of this study), the researcher provides a job specification template for determining if institutions have a pipeline of individuals who could be prepared to assume the HECEP role in the future. This study, although limited in scope as it relates to succession planning, provides insight into the attitudes and perceptions of specific higher education professionals toward the professional development of employees, and more specifically, the HECEP role.