Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the personal attributes and professional skills (characteristics) necessary to be effective student affairs mid-level administrators in the year 2015 as perceived by student affairs experts. Additionally, the study identified the future level of importance of these characteristics. Finally, the study examined the degree to which current mid-level administrators possess these characteristics. Methodology. This study used the Delphi Technique to forecast characteristics. Student affairs administrators and university faculty member experts anonymously formed group consensus by completing a multiple-round questionnaire. The study produced descriptive and inferential data. The statistics were tabulated using means, standard deviations, and t-tests. Findings. Fifteen of the eighty-four characteristics generated in this study were rated as "very important" for future job performance success. Mid-level administrators currently possess seven of the characteristics to a "high degree." The dependent t-test results for twenty-two characteristics showed that there is a statistically significant gap between the future level of importance and the current degree to which mid-level administrators possess the attributes and skills. Conclusions and recommendations. Essential characteristics identified in this study that were previously absent in studies related to student affairs mid-level administrators' job performance included: broad-based technological endeavors, political skills, fiscal management, and policy development. Three themes—credibility, fusion and facilitation, and ability to work with a diverse population—emerged from the characteristics that were rated as important for future success. Additionally, the complexity of student affairs mid-level administrator positions will continue to increase as the exchange and management of knowledge and information becomes a vital resource for organizational success in the future. Current and potential mid-level administrators must develop and strengthen the characteristics identified as important in this study to enhance their chances for future success. The acquisition of critical characteristics will enable both mid-level administrators and their organizations to meet future higher education needs and expectations.