Academic Entrepreneurship in Vocational Education: MCC’s Dr. Gusak Published in The Qualitative Report

MCC proudly congratulates Dr. Olga Gusak, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, on the publication of her article co-authored in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal The Qualitative Report. The article represents the culmination of her doctoral dissertation research and her presentation at the World Conference on Qualitative Research 2025.

Through narrative inquiry and thematic analysis, Dr. Gusak and co-author Dr. Elena Lyutykh identify how these leaders define entrepreneurship not as profit seeking alone, but as a mission-driven approach focused on student success, innovation, and community value.

While the article primarily examines narrative inquiry methodology, it also draws on insights from interviews with executive leaders at for-profit colleges. Collectively, the findings provide a comprehensive overview of this sector of higher education, based on the perspectives of twelve participants from for-profit institutions.

The research introduces a methodological framework that moves from individual storytelling to a collective narrative of academic entrepreneurship—showing how institutions evolve through shared meaning.

The research highlights three guiding principles for entrepreneurial colleges:

• creating an enabling institutional environment,
• engaging stakeholders inside and outside the school, and
• developing innovative academic practices.

These principles reflect the adaptability and service orientation that characterize MCC’s own approach to vocational education.

Beyond its methodological contribution, the article positions private vocational colleges as essential actors in widening access to higher education. Dr. Gusak’s findings challenge outdated assumptions about for-profit schools by emphasizing their social mission: providing opportunities for working adults, career changers, and underserved students to achieve meaningful employment and upward mobility.

Key Insights from the Research

1. Academic entrepreneurship in vocational colleges extends beyond business innovation to a form of mission-driven adaptability.

Leaders in these institutions describe entrepreneurship not as an individual pursuit of profit but as an organizational mindset that responds dynamically to student needs and industry changes. It manifests in rapid decision-making, the design of responsive programs, and the integration of market-aligned competencies—all while preserving the social purpose of expanding access to education for diverse learners.

2. The ethos of for-profit education is rooted in the belief that transformation begins with student success.

Interviewees emphasized that effective entrepreneurial leadership prioritizes student outcomes as the central measure of institutional vitality. Initiatives such as personalized learning support, accelerated pathways, and career-focused instruction emerge from a culture that views educational success as both a moral and strategic imperative—demonstrating that serving students well is the core of sustainable growth.

3. Innovation within academic entrepreneurship depends on the ability to connect narrative, purpose, and community.

The article’s analytic framework reveals how institutional storytelling shapes collective identity: leaders frame their experiences as part of a shared narrative about resilience, service, and innovation. This collective story not only validates individual efforts but also reinforces a culture of continuous improvement—bridging the gap between academic values and market realities through intentional collaboration and reflection.

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