Public entrepreneurs and the adoption of broad-based merit aid beyond the Southeastern United States

Authors

  • William Kyle Ingle Bowling Green State University
  • Ruth Ann Petroff Bowling Green State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v21n58.2013

Keywords:

political analysis, postsecondary education policy, public entrepreneurs, innovation, diffusion

Abstract

The concentration of broad-based merit aid adoption in the southeastern United States has been well noted in the literature. However, there are states that have adopted broad-based merit aid programs outside of the Southeast.  Guided by multiple theoretical frameworks, including innovation diffusion theory (e.g., Gray, 1973, 1994; Rogers, 2003), Roberts and King’s (1991) typology of public entrepreneurs, and Anderson’s (2003) stages of the policymaking process, this qualitative study sought to answer the following questions. First, in the absence of regional diffusion pressures, what internal determinants are reported as accounting for the diffusion of broad-based merit aid programs outside of the Southeastern US?  What types of public entrepreneurs were identified as playing key roles in establishing merit aid in states outside the southeastern US?  During which stages of the policymaking process were they active? We found that merit aid was a means of addressing an array of public problems, including low college going rates at in-state public colleges and universities, and weak K-12 accountability. Consistent factors reported as facilitating merit aid creation included a strong, vocal public advocate (governors and a university system president) and a desire to strengthen state economies and diversify workforces.  A full range of public entrepreneurs played key roles in developing merit aid in the sampled states. Political and executive entrepreneurs were in the forefront of merit aid efforts, but our data suggest that a cast of supporting public entrepreneurs were integral to the eventual adoption of broad-based merit aid in the sampled states.

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Author Biographies

William Kyle Ingle, Bowling Green State University

William Kyle Ingle, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Educational Administration and Leadership Studies at Bowling Green State University. His research focuses on human resource functions in education, the politics of school budget referenda, and economic evaluation of educational programs.

Ruth Ann Petroff, Bowling Green State University

Ruth Ann Petroff is a doctoral candidate in the School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy at Bowling Green State University. Petroff was selected as Bowling Green State University’s Fahle Scholar for the 2009-2010 academic year. Her research focuses on the relationship between leadership attributes and effectiveness across private, public, and non-profit sectors.

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Published

2013-07-07

How to Cite

Ingle, W. K., & Petroff, R. A. (2013). Public entrepreneurs and the adoption of broad-based merit aid beyond the Southeastern United States. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 21, 58. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v21n58.2013

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Section

Articles