When the state isn't there: A historical case study of innovation in the face of state budget cuts

Abstract

In the United States, as state support for higher education continues to decline, student affairs practitioners must grapple with the fallout of large budget cuts - or worse - programme elimination. Diversity programmes and initiatives are particularly vulnerable to budget shortfalls in state and institutional funding. Drawing from innovation theory, this historical qualitative case study provides a snapshot of one programme’s struggle to survive in 2002, amidst a contentious political climate for race-conscious admissions and programming. Lessons gleaned from one senior-level Vice-President of Student Affairs for Multicultural Affairs and Director of Multicultural Affairs who oversaw a hallmark diversity programme facing drastic state budget cuts will be highlighted. The results demonstrate the ways in which changing socio-political climate and policies can initiate new opportunities for student affairs practitioners by providing a detailed example of how programme administrators can adjust to crisis and engage in innovation. The data is relevant to diversity higher education researchers and administrators who are interested in programme sustainability. Implications for future practices and research related to Multicultural Affairs Administrators who manage diversity programmes will also be provided.