Institutional diversity serves as one of the fundamental hallmarks of American higher education. After a long history of support for many institutional types, the past 40 years have seen a decline in institutional variety. Through a discussion of history, theoretical contexts, and causes of homogenization, this monograph examines how higher education policymakers and leaders can strengthen institutional mission and preserve the benefits of institutional diversity.Higher education needs to serve a variety of functions for students, from liberal arts education to vocational training programs. No single institution or institutional type can adequately fulfill all of these roles, and this monograph considers the rewards and challenges of maintaining a healthy, beneficial diversity. It also covers the roles, purposes, trials, and benefits of institutional diversity. It provides practical examples and theoretical perspectives useful in understanding the complexities of higher education systems and the external pressures faced by colleges and universities that challenge institutional mission and threaten institutional diversity and its well-established benefits for students and society.This is the third issue of the 39th volume of the Jossey-Bass series ASHE Higher Education Report. Each monograph is the definitive analysis of a tough higher education issue, based on thorough research of pertinent literature and institutional experiences. Topics are identified by a national survey. Noted practitioners and scholars are then commissioned to write the reports, with experts providing critical reviews of each manuscript before publication.

Executive Summary viiForeword xiDefining Institutional Diversity 1Aspects of Institutional Diversity 4Diversity Versus Diversification Versus Differentiation 9Interactions With the Environment 12Overview of the Monograph 14Historical Context of Institutional Diversity 17Growth During the Colonial Period 18Establishing American Higher Education 19Failure of the National University Idea 20Institution Building 23The Changing Curriculum 24Rise of the Research University 25Transition From Elite to Mass Higher Education 28The Postwar Period 31Conclusion 35Theoretical Contexts 37Population Ecology 37Resource Dependency Th eory 42Institutional Theory 44Conclusion 48Benefits of Institutional Diversity 49Meeting the Needs of All Types of Students 49Increased Institutional Effectiveness 51Provide Models 54Support Reform Th rough Competition 55Serve the Political Needs of Interest Groups 57Protecting Academic Freedom and Autonomy 58Support Elite and Mass Higher Education 61Improve Social Mobility 62Minority-Serving Institutions 64Conclusion 67Causes of Homogenization 69Academic Drift 70Prestige-Maximizing Activities 73Statewide Coordination 79Conclusion 82The Future of Institutional Diversity Research and Practice 83Market Smart and Mission Centered 84Policymakers 85Campus Leaders and Administrators 89Faculty 92Students 94Conclusion 95References 97Name Index 111Subject Index 116About the Author 121