Currently the study of higher education has been referred to as a multidisciplinary field. Consensus is continuing to evolve regarding both what is considered the appropriate coursework and the foundational knowledgebase of this field. The study of higher education is maturing and has the potential to transition from being seen as a field to being respected as an academic discipline. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the status of the core curriculum in higher education doctoral programs from the perspective of program directors with programs that required the completion of standardized coursework prior to beginning a dissertation. We used online survey analytic techniques to query program directors about their EdD and PhD programs in higher education, credit hours, and curricular content. Our study confirms previous work finding that there is common agreement in the subject matter areas of organization, leadership, administration, and history. What our work adds is that there is a growing consensus among higher education doctoral programs about the position of higher education law and finance in the curricular core. In addition, we find there is a growing interest in public policy and community colleges over time, with a majority of EdD programs including instruction in these areas. Nevertheless, majoritarian agreement does not meet at a level wherein consensus can be inferred, especially within PhD programs where requirements are more varied across programs. In addition, while there is an increasing trend in the inclusion of multiculturalism in higher education doctoral programming, multiculturalism is not currently part of higher education's core. We conclude with research and practice implications for doctoral programs in higher education as a field of study.

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Background/Context Although research on college and university presidents has grown in recent decades, historically Black college and university (HBCU) presidents have rarely been included in this research. We know almost nothing about the pathways to the HBCU presidency or the role that current presidents play in grooming future presidents. More literature is needed in order to deepen our understanding of the HBCU presidency. Purpose With this study, we sought to capture the background characteristics of HBCU leaders, to lay the ground work for future studies on HBCU presidents, and to understand the role these leaders play in grooming and mentoring the next generation of HBCU leaders. Research Design In order to answer our research questions, we used a combination a surveys, document analysis, and qualitative interviews. Conclusions and Recommendations Our conclusions and recommendations point to a recycling of presidents at HBCUs as well as the disproportionate presence of long-term presidencies. Moreover, although grooming of future presidents is taking place, it is not systematic and would benefit from deeper thought and commitment.

The purpose of this study was to examine university presidents' perceptions of their academic doctoral preparation program as it related to their preparation for the university presidency. Using a mixed methods approach, thirteen presidents shared what knowledge and competencies they perceived as having learned while in their doctoral program. The areas of knowledge they believed they developed were foundational knowledge, knowledge acquisition of context, and complex cognitive knowledge. The four competencies areas they believed they refined in their programs were interpersonal development, personal attributes, management, and communications. They identified fund-raising as an area they were not well prepared for.The results of this study should help administrators, curriculum developers, and faculty in higher education administration programs to better understand higher education students' needs and enhance their programs. In addition, it should provide information about whether and how professional development, mentoring, and coaching activities within these programs help in preparing individuals for executive leadership and ensuring their success.

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