Abstract

Reduced funding, external expectations, and new technology are all significant forces for change in higher education; yet, the governance structure provides unique challenges for implementing change. Even though higher education is facing considerable change, there are few articles written about the topic. This article reviews some common change models in the context of higher education governance and evaluates the best fit for the environment. We find that existing models are too rigid in their process orientation for higher education and that an approach focused on principles that consider the academic environment further is more appropriate. This article provides a framework with which to view the implementation of those changes and offers principles to guide leaders in higher education.