Center for the Study of Higher Education

The Pennsylvania State University’s Center for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) is one of the nation’s first research centers established specifically to study postsecondary education policy issues. For over 30 years, research teams composed of nationally recognized faculty, top graduate students, and effective professional staff have been devoted to examining the critical issues that influence the policies and practices of postsecondary institutions. To that end, CSHE is dedicated to:

• conducting and disseminating theory-based empirical research designed to improve higher education practice and policy

• providing high-quality data and analysis to institutional, state, and federal policymakers

• supporting graduate training for students in the Higher Education Programs at Penn State

Mission and Goals

CSHE conducts theory-based research that informs efforts to improve higher education policy and practice. CSHE research informs a broad range of current challenges facing higher education. We assemble teams of researchers, practitioners, and policy analysts who bring multiple perspectives to their investigations of significant higher education issues, including:

• Governance, organization, and administration

• Teaching, learning, and curriculum

• Finance and economics

• Student access and success

• Legal, ethical, and historical implications of current issues

• Education for professionals such as law, medicine, and engineering

• Comparative and international education

• Student affairs administration

The breadth of CSHE research gains credibility and validity from its depth. Our team includes economists, psychologists, sociologists, and historians who bring thorough understanding of disciplinary theories and methods - as well as interdisciplinary approaches - to the design and conduct of our investigations.

Collaboration expands the scope and enriches the depth of CSHE research. Partnerships with higher education colleagues at other colleges and universities (such as the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Brevard College), colleagues in other disciplines (such as engineering, biology, chemistry, liberal arts), and colleagues in policy groups (such as the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, and the American College Personnel Association) enable CSHE to direct its research toward issues that are of current importance and immediate application to practice in institutions and policy at institutional, state, and federal level.

CSHE is an intellectual community center for those interested in improving higher education policy and practice. Regular formal seminars and workshops and frequent informal interactions foster opportunities for learning, sharing, and professional development among faculty, practitioners, policy analysts and students. In addition, CSHE faculty members teach and advise students earning masters degrees and doctoral degrees in Higher Education and masters degrees in Student Affairs Administration.

History

CSHE was founded in January 1969 at The Pennsylvania State University as one of the first research organizations established specifically to examine postsecondary education policy issues. In its first decade, the Center responded primarily to research initiatives from Penn State, focusing on University organization and governance. It also performed studies in response to general policy issues, such as collective bargaining analysis, financial planning, institutional master plans, and resident program planning.Following that first decade of University-focused research, CSHE broadened its research base to national and international issues in higher education. Because of the long-term support of the University, which provides an ongoing base of financial and administrative support, CSHE has developed a continuity of performance and a wealth of faculty experience across the spectrum of postsecondary institutions and issues. It is considered to be one of the top postsecondary research centers in the nation. Although the range of possible research subjects is broad, primary attention is focused on four general areas:

• postsecondary teaching and learning

• minority student access and retention

• higher education faculty

• higher education organization and administration

Research projects conducted by CSHE have been funded by the Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), and Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE); The National Science Foundation (NSF); Exxon Education Foundation; Ford Foundation; The Lilly Endowment; TIAA-CREF; and others. In addition, Center staff participate in interdisciplinary studies and research teams, and provide analysis and consultation services to help frame policy formation at institutional, state, and national levels.

Center Directors

• G. Lester Anderson, 1969–1976

• Kenneth Mortimer, 1977–1980

• William Toombs, 1981–1986

• Kathryn M. Moore, 1986–1988

• James L. Ratcliff, 1989–1997

• Patrick T. Terenzini, Interim Director, 1997–1998

• J. Fredericks Volkwein, 1998–2002

• Carol L. Colbeck, 2002–2007

• Donald E. Heller, 2007–