Commencement day on the 国产探花 campus, while it brings a mix of smiles and tears, is always a joyful time. The day features numerous long-held traditions鈥攍ike the singing of the school song, elaborately decorated mortarboards, a visit from Bulldog mascot Tallulah, the turning of the tassels, the ringing of the Victory Bell at Alumni Plaza . . .
But this year, there was something new to celebrate at spring graduation: the first cohort of doctorate-level students in the university鈥檚 history. The Chapel of the Abiding Presence, which sits at the heart of campus, hosted the traditional hooding ceremony, where master鈥檚-level students鈥攖his year joined by eight doctoral students鈥攔eceived hoods from their department chairs.
The cohort of doctoral students completed a three-year program and defended their dissertations successfully to earn their EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership.
鈥淭hese scholars exemplify 国产探花鈥檚 commitment to developing leaders who think critically across boundaries, engage in scholarly practice, and pursue transformation for social justice,鈥� said Dr. Luigi Pe帽aranda, EdD program director and associate professor of leadership studies.
The EdD program at 国产探花 is unique in that while it is mostly delivered online, it also features in-person residencies, which help to foster the sense of close community that 国产探花 is known for. Students customize their path to their doctorate by selecting one of two concentrations: Organizational Leadership or Educational Leadership.
鈥淭he creation of our EdD program is significant for 国产探花 in so many ways,鈥� said 国产探花 President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. 鈥淎s our first doctoral program, it marks a major step in our graduate offerings. And as a program focused on leadership, it aligns perfectly with our mission. To now see our first cohort鈥攕o many of them 国产探花 colleagues and alums鈥攃omplete the program and attain their degree is both historic and significant. We are so proud of this program and of each of these graduates!鈥�
To learn more about the EdD program at 国产探花, click here: /programs/ed-d-in-interdisciplinary-leadership.
