College leadership decisions and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: an elite interview study

ObjectiveThis study at a US Native American-serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) deeply analyzed collegiate leadership's responses and experiences during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsElite interviews were conducted between April and June 2021 with the college president, provost, dean of student engagement, human resources director, and chief of police. Interviewees were purposively selected due to their positions of authority.MethodsEach one-hour interview used a semi-structured guide for standardization and was conducted either virtually or in-person while following COVID-19 protocols. The general inductive method was used to identify nodes and categories within the transcripts.ResultsSix nodes (conceptual domains) and 18 categories were identified. Though there was variability in interviewee emphasis, the respondents described the motivations, drivers, and sentiment behind their decision-making in a transparent way.ConclusionsNASNTI leadership reported being able to navigate the pandemic by emphasizing transparency and engaging students, while working alongside the community.