Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Scott A. McKinney
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Scott A. McKinney
For the degree of
Doctor of Education
Interprofessional Leadership
Executive Leader Perceptions of Advocacy by Members of Institutionally Related Foundation Boards
October 22, 2025
12:00 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 280 304 229 302 8
Passcode: bE39jK7w
Executive Leader Perceptions of Advocacy by Members of Institutionally Related Foundation Boards
In light of shifting public attitudes towards higher education and a changing legal landscape, there is an increased interest from Kent State University Foundation board members regarding how they can advocate for their university. To address this problem of practice, this study explores foundation executive leaders' perceptions of common practices for institutionally related foundation boards to advocate for the universities and colleges they support.
This study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, which was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 collected quantitative data through a survey distributed to the Association of Governing Board members. Phase 2 used a qualitative approach by employing semi-structured interviews with seven participants who were identified in the first phase.
The dissertation introduces a model for executive leaders of institutionally related college and university foundations to consider the advocacy efforts and engagement of their boards. The questions in the model, when applied in succession, can provide the backdrop for robust discussions around the board table so that boards and their leaders can make their own decisions about how advocacy might benefit them in their particular set of circumstances.
About the Candidate
Scott A. McKinney
Master of Public Administration, Public Management
Kent State University, 2013
Bachelor of Science, Leisure Services Management
Kent State University, 1997
Scott McKinney has held leadership positions within the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Kent State University for the last 17 years. Since 2020, Scott has served as Assistant Vice President for Donor and Volunteer Engagement. Holding concurrent appointments as the Executive Director of the Kent State University Alumni Association and COO of the Kent State University Foundation, he plays a leadership role with Kent State’s supporting nonprofit organizations and takes an active role in the engagement of board volunteers. Scott has presented at state and national conferences, including the Association of Governing Boards and the Association of Donor Relations Professions.
Before joining Kent State, Scott began his nonprofit career with the American Red Cross, where he provided disaster response leadership locally and nationally for incidents that included fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and terrorist attacks. He also administered all Red Cross Services in Portage County, Ohio, and built relationships within the local community.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
Kimberly S. Peer, EdD, AT, FNATA, FNAP
Professor, Athletic Training
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Members
David M. Dees, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Erica Eckert, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Higher Education Administration
School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Lashonda Taylor, Ed.D.
Associate Chief of Staff
Office of the President
Graduate Faculty Representative
Jeffery L. Huston, EdD, AT, FNS
Professor, Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services