Exploring Factors Contributing To the Reputation of Colleges of Agriculture: A Delphi Study With College Student Ambassadors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56103/nactaj.v69i1.227Keywords:
Reputation, Recruitment, College SelectionAbstract
When deciding on which college or university to attend, the reputation of the institution has been identified as a characteristic that impacts this decision. However, little research has identified specific attributes that impact the reputation of agricultural colleges making it difficult for administrators, faculty, or staff to assess the reputation of their college. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine factors contributing to the reputation of a land grant college of agriculture. The objectives guiding this study were to 1). Compile a list of factors contributing to the reputation of a land grant college of agriculture, 2). Determine consensus for college of agriculture characteristics contributing to college of agriculture reputation, and 3). Categorize characteristics reaching consensus that
contribute to college of agriculture reputation. This was accomplished with a Delphi study consisting of three rounds from agriculture college undergraduate student ambassadors at six land grant universities. Results of the Delphi study yielded 51 unique characteristics influencing the reputation of an agriculture college. It was recommended that an instrument be developed for agriculture colleges to
use for assessing their reputation. Results from reputation assessments could help with student recruitment and enrollment.
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References
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