ABSTRACT
It is no coincidence that the chapter authors have come together in this book, through this particular series, to address qualitative inquiry in higher education organization and policy research. Th e Core Concepts in Higher Education series by Edward P. St. John and Marybeth Gasman moves thought, action, and scholarship forward by valuing, reconstructing, and building on the foundations of the fi eld. Each chapter author off ers an intentional way for readers to conceptualize and actualize qualitative inquiry in higher education organization and policy research practices. To be sure, the authors do not make it easy for readers but, instead, introduce complex concepts and challenge dominant ways of thinking through philosophical refl ections and practical examples. Th e questions for discussion at the end of each chapter are indicative of the iterative process of qualitative inquiry and point readers toward continued dialogue and action toward social change as we move forward to strengthen the fi eld.
