Fourteen individuals have been selected as the first doctoral students in Arkansas Tech University history and are pursuing the doctor of education in school leadership degree.
The students are engaged in their first semester of study this fall with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2017.
John A. Freeman, professor of educational leadership, is director of the doctor of education. He joined the Tech faculty on Jan. 1. Freeman previously worked as professor and department head of the graduate studies division in the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“The fact that this is the first doctoral degree offered by Arkansas Tech University places this cohort in a special and unique category,” Freeman said in a news release. “These students are very aware that they will forever hold a special designation as the first doctoral graduates in the history of the university. While that prospect helps to motivate them to complete the degree, it also places some pressure on the students and the program as a whole, because the success of the program lies in their success.”
The formal steps involved in creating degree began in July 2010. In November 2010, the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees approved the program and in May 2015 the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, granted accreditation for the Arkansas Tech Doctor of Education degree.
The program is designed for K-12 education professionals who currently serve or wish to serve in school district leadership positions.
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