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Abstract
This research has used a mixed methodology with both
quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population
included three groups; the post-graduate students, professors
and academic staff at two universities, Khouzestan Ramin
Agriculture and Natural Resources University and Bu-Ali Sina
University. For collecting quantitative data among 320 students,
175 were selected using random sampling and based on the
Morgan table. In order to collect qualitative data, 41 professors
and academic staff of the two universities were selected based
on a criterion purposeful sampling. Gathering tool in quantitative
part was a questionnaire including three-parts. The questionnaire's
reliability was tested by Cronbach's Alpha technique and the
total mean reliability of scales was 84% (α=0.84). For collecting
qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were used. A summarized
content analysis was used in order to analyze the interviews'
data. Quantitative data analysis was conducted in
two parts: descriptive and analytical. Results showed that a
sustainable agricultural higher education needs a series of
factors, characteristics and conditions. These factors at economic,
social, cultural, and environmental dimensions include: financial
and credit, employment and entrepreneurship, the agricultural
productivity, social issues, building culture, and environmental
awareness. Results also indicated that a sustainable university
should address four elements of education, research, management
and planning, and outreach programs in a pool of two-way
communication between these elements and the real needs of
society and environment.