ABSTRACT
The case studies of Accomac, Lakeview, Rowlette, and Scott colleges demonstrate that, in fact, these colleges varied in the process of organizational change. This chapter explores three patterns: institutional growth and maturity, presidential leadership and learning, and the symbolic purposes of organizational change. Rowlette and Scott colleges were like other teenagers for whom membership in the club had little utility or import. Scott’s board was already united in its dislike for the tenure system. The president’s role at Rowlette is more ambiguous. Part of this ambiguity results from the long timeframe during which the change in policy occurred. The four colleges share an interesting pattern of growth, even though the sites were chosen without regard to their history or origins. The Accomac president wanted the college to be recognized as a premier liberal arts college.
