Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

College

College of Education and International Services

Program

Higher Education Administration PhD

First Advisor

Janine Lim

Second Advisor

Michael Gayle

Third Advisor

Alayne Thorpe

Abstract

Problem

The contributions of faith-based higher education institutions to the tertiary landscape in small island developing states are insufficiently addressed in the scholarly literature. Consequently, there is limited understanding of how these institutions navigate organizational transitions and respond to capacity gaps that the public sector is unable to fill within dynamic cultural and regulatory environments. This gap is especially evident for Seventh-day Adventist institutions, whose efforts to preserve mission and identity during periods of institutional change remain underexamined and poorly documented.

Purpose

The purpose of this narrative inquiry study was to examine how university administrators influenced the development and ongoing evolution of institutional identity throughout the transition from Heritage College to Heritage University.

Methodology

Data for this narrative inquiry were generated from participant interviews, a field text, and the researcher’s reflective practice, which provided a rich account of the transition from Heritage College to Heritage University.

Conclusions

The findings from this study underscores that Heritage College’s transition to Heritage University was primarily shaped and unified by its distinct Adventist identity, which anchored leadership decisions, stabilized the institution during periods of uncertainty, and guided the formation of its evolving university identity. This faith-informed foundation continues to support Heritage University’s resilience and relevance within the dynamic higher education landscape of small island developing states.

Subject Area

Universities and colleges--Administration; Educational leadership;

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