The role of leadership in building endowment at Lutheran colleges and universities: A case study comparison of three Lutheran colleges and universities in the United States

The case study examines the role of leadership in building endowment at three Lutheran colleges. Endowment is a basic component of an institution's financial portfolio. Presidential leadership is critical. An historic lack of endowment at Lutheran colleges, increasing costs and declining resources to pay for higher education require larger endowments.; The study determines endowment building is a complex process that demands leadership from many constituents. It requires an actionable plan, expertise by president, staff and board, development of investment polices, long-term allocation of resources and continual buy-in.; The study recommends further research of other church-related, liberal arts institutions; the application of benchmarks that define good-to-great companies; values based leadership; and the roles communication and teamwork play in endowment building.