What made you choose Marymount University for the pursuit of your Doctorate?
Pursuing a doctoral degree is something that I always dreamt about, but I never really thought that it could happen due to my many time constraints and work demands. During the fall of 2020, like many of us, I found that I had more free time and I really took that opportunity to reflect on my world. I thought maybe I could make this dream a reality.
As I began researching other universities and looking at Ed.D. programs that were offered online, I was immediately attracted to Marymount's program. The curriculum had topics that were relevant to my professional needs and the program was offered synchronously, which provided me [with] the flexibility I needed to commit.
What do you hope to accomplish by earning an Ed.D. degree?
I currently serve as the dean of students at a mid-sized college in the northeast, and I'm blessed to work on a day-to-day basis with the Student Affairs Division, creating a positive culture on our campus.
As a professional that worked in the same university for over 30 years, I was looking for the opportunity to see the world of higher education from different perspectives. I was also looking for the opportunity to enhance the ability to articulate my knowledge in a way that exemplifies the breadth of my experience.
Have you connected with your cohort?
Through this program, I have had the opportunity to create connections and collaborate with students within my cohort to not only look at current trends and issues, but to create friendships that will last well beyond the completion of our degree.
Has this program strengthened you as a leader?
Over the years, I have worked with and had numerous role models who have helped me cultivate the definition of leadership. Through the expertise and knowledge of the Marymount faculty and the content within the program, I have come to realize that a leader is someone who can motivate, inspire, and influence their team to achieve a common goal. Leaders are also someone who works hard each day to be consistent, open-minded, and flexible with the people around them.
The last three years have transformed the leader, giving me the opportunity to self-reflect and have educated me on how to be someone who inspires others, inspires change in others.
What is the biggest highlight of your online experience?
The best part of this program, by far, is the faculty at Marymount, especially my LDFM. Dr. Crystle has served as an incredible mentor to me and guided me through this dissertation process. I honestly don't know how I could have done this without her support.
I started this program hesitant in my ability to succeed, and now I'm leaving this program excited for the future and the opportunities I have the ability to create.
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