A Diamond in the Rough: Adjunct Faculty Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Learning Institutions

Abstract

The focus of this qualitative study was to interview a purposeful sample of adjunct faculty in higher learning institutions utilizing open-ended questions, which allowed the researchers to probe and explore selected participants' lived experiences and perspectives relating to factors affecting decisions to remain or leave higher learning institutions. Six final themes emerged regarding such factors, including (a) career direction, (b) number of students in the class, (c) satisfaction with the college, (d) enjoyment of higher education, (e) work for a servant leader, and (f) leadership style of the boss.