Internationalization and its challenges at U.S. regional comprehensive universities: The transformational leadership role of senior international officers

Authors

Ibrahima F. Yaro Ed.D., Fort Hays State University
Aaron W. Hughey Ed.D., Western Kentucky University

Abstract

This interpretive phenomenological analysis investigated the role of transformational leadership and the challenges that senior international officers (SIOs) face in internationalizing regional comprehensive universities (RCUs) in the United States. Twelve in- depth interviews were conducted with SIOs from five regions: the West, Midwest, South, Southeast, and Northwest. The findings indicate that the transformational leadership approach is the primary leadership style utilized by senior international officers for the effective and successful internationalization of their institutions. The findings highlight a wide range of challenges that a senior international officer may encounter at a regional comprehensive university in the United States. The study outlines implications for practice for aspiring SIOs and current senior leaders in the United States.

Document Type

Article

Source Publication

Journal of International Students

Version

Published Version

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32674/j52bc103

Publication Date

4-28-2025

Volume

23

Issue

1

First Page

256

Last Page

267

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License

Rights

The Author(s)

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Yaro, I. F., & Hughey, A. W. (2025). Internationalization and its challenges at U.S. regional comprehensive universities: The transformational leadership role of senior international officers. Journal of International Students, 15(5), 159-178. https://doi.org/10.32674/j52bc103