The Reality of Transformation: A Case Study of an American Community College Implementing Holistic Student Supports

This dissertation examines the implementation of Holistic Student Supports at a community college that served as an early adopter of this approach, providing insights into the decade-long process of transformational change. Against the backdrop of community colleges' ongoing efforts to improve completion rates, this study investigates how one institution navigated the implementation process, made necessary adaptations, and sustained reform efforts over time. Through document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group, this study documents the evolution of this initiative from its inception in 2010. Kotter's Eight-Step Change Model frames the analysis, which confirms the model's applicability and extends it by identifying steps that are particularly crucial for transformational change in the context of community colleges. Key findings reveal effective leadership structures, strategic resource allocation approaches, the progressive integration of data-informed decision-making, and the management of institutional change processes. This study offers valuable lessons for community college leaders seeking to implement similar Holistic Student Supports models to address barriers to student success and increase graduation rates. It also contributes to the broader understanding of the field into how institutions can successfully navigate and sustain comprehensive organizational change.Advisor: Crystal Garcia