24 Fall EdD in Educational Leadership Newsletter

in this issue

Fall 2024 Newsletter

EdD in Educational Leadership

54-Credit Students and Faculty at Immersive Weekend 2024

Bay Path’s online EdD in Educational Leadership is at the forefront of preparing educational professionals for the 21st Century. In an era of heightened disruption and revolutionary challenges, many education experts have called for a new kind of leadership. The program meets this need by teaching students how to re-imagine organizations, institutions, and schools, make tough decisions, re-examine traditional ways of doing business, and adopt an adaptive leadership approach.

Leadership Profile

Alumni Spotlight

Current Student Spotlight

Immersive Weekend 2024

Hello to all our EdD Innovators and Leaders!

As fall draws to a close, we reflect on a season of incredible progress. This year, we’ve once again exceeded our expectations, welcoming an inspiring new cohort of students—and, notably, our inaugural group from Puerto Rico, whose impact will resonate across both their communities and ours.

Dissertation presentations are in full swing and returning students are pushing the boundaries of their academic and leadership growth. Meanwhile, incoming students are just beginning their journey, exploring new heights of leadership potential.

In this edition, we’re excited to share stories from our current students, showcase the achievements of our accomplished alumni, and highlight the dedication of our extraordinary faculty. We also shine a spotlight on our vibrant Puerto Rico cohort and bring you the latest from CHELIP and IngenioUs—keeping you in the loop with the new and exciting developments that are on the horizon.

So, let’s dive into the stories that make our EdD program truly exceptional. Enjoy the read, and here’s to continuing our journey of learning, leadership, and innovation together!

Immersive Weekend Fall 2024

From left to right: Dr. Carroll Bronson, Professor of Practice; Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Founding Director; Dr. Liz Fleming, TSL Concentration Program Coordinator, EdD; and Dr. Mela Dutka, HELOS Concentration Program Coordinator; Dr. Sarah Matthey, Professor of Practice

José Rios Diaz

Intensive English Professor and Student Services Coordinator at the
University of Puerto Rico

Language Communication Coach

1st Year 54-Credit HELOS Track

I chose this program after receiving strong recommendations from some highly esteemed colleagues, and I decided to begin with steadfast commitment. What drew me to BPU were the flexible yet well-structured course lengths, the strong ethical support provided by the faculty and staff, and the easy access to the broader BPU community. I feel that every aspect of the program serves as a tool to help me perform at my best, and I am profoundly grateful for that.

The sense of community, professionalism, and warmth with which my cohort and I were welcomed are truly inspiring and moving. The program encourages communication with peers from other cohorts, offering a "passport" into their cultures and backgrounds. Everyone has been so kind and caring, which has been both humbling and deeply affirming, fostering a strong sense of belonging that I will always cherish.

The access to quality research and resources, along with the thoughtful way the course modules are designed to develop specific educational leadership skills and traits, have profoundly shifted the way I view my work. The lessons I have learned so far have been incredibly constructive and, above all, transformative. I find myself excited to see what’s next, and I’m so grateful to feel that way.

For students considering the BPU EdD program, let’s be candid: embarking on doctoral studies can feel intimidating and stressful. There is often a sense of uncertainty, and you might ask yourself, "Is this the right move?" As someone who has been through that experience, I can confidently say it IS worth it. See this opportunity as a chance for growth and self-discovery. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take this journey. You’ll uncover new capacities, skills, and traits you didn’t know you had. You’ll be warmly welcomed, and you will belong. Take my word for it.

Current Student Spotlight

Becky Lescarbeau Educational Technology Specialist Elms College 2nd Year, 54-Credit Track

Jose Escribano Chief of Family and Community Engagement Springfield Public Schools 2nd year, 54-Credit Track

Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Jason Ostrowski Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Engagement SUNY Oneonta, New York

Hands down, the community of practice was my favorite part of the program. Having a group of colleagues, who have become friends, go through and experience the program at the same time was extremely impactful and motivating. Everyone was there to help provide guidance, offer feedback, generate ideas, and overall provide support as we were all going through it together. The community would come together and keep each other motivated, especially when we would need it the most. These relationships that I have built because of this model are long-lasting and will continue to be leaned upon well into the future. My advice for someone considering the BPU EdD is to do it. Jump in. The program is structured to support every student and their doctoral journey. The program leadership, faculty, and staff are committed to their students and are focused on providing whatever is needed to ensure everyone has every possibility to be successful and complete. Lean into that support, and remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Walk with purpose and embrace the experience. My research study focused on exploring and understanding the needs and expectations of faculty when it came to the behavioral intervention process on a college campus. I sought to work with faculty partners and address low reporting rates of faculty who experience students with mental and emotional challenges within the classroom setting. Through my study, I helped to establish innovative changes to practices and processes that unintentionally discounted the needs of the faculty population. My recommendations leaned into proactive engagement with faculty partners and established processes and procedures that address faculty concerns while maintaining the integrity of providing for the support of students.

I pursued my terminal degree for multiple reasons. I have found a passion for leading and serving in higher education. A terminal degree provides the opportunity to build and strengthen my ability to lead from the front and to gain a respected seat at the table with other leaders in higher ed. I already had a connection to Bay Path University because I had completed my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. So, when Bay Path established the program, and I was contacted by the master’s program director to be part of the inaugural cohort of the program, I jumped at the opportunity and embraced the challenge. The EdD program is organized very similarly through the online master’s program, which allowed me to work full-time and apply my learning to my employment in real-time. It also provided the flexibility, structure, and support that led to my ultimate success.

The process of engaging in and completing my research study provided multiple challenges that honed my skills and abilities to embrace critical and innovative thinking. The process required me to reflect on my own biases and put practices into place to ensure those biases would not affect my analysis, interpretation, and reporting of the data uncovered. Through an unbiased lens, I have been more intentional about my thought process and open to different ideas and processes.I have been able to accept multiple options and analyze each choice as an opportunity. Ultimately, this process has allowed me to become much more creative with my ideas, develop strategies to analyze those ideas to determine if those ideas are new and useful, implement processes to put them into practice, and reflect on those processes to make changes and decide how best to move forward. This program has allowed me to understand my own strengths in leadership better and identify those in others I am responsible for leading. I can better navigate organizational systems and be strategic in my vision planning and implementation. I am also better able to engage with stakeholders in the development, communication, and implementation of that vision and lead from all areas. I am willing to step into the role where I am most needed. I am also more confident in my leadership and abilities, which has led to more professional opportunities. To be an innovation and change leader, one must embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with exploring the unexplored. This program has provided me with the skills and confidence to do just that.I would not be in the position I am today without my experiences in this program. I am walking in my purpose

What excites me most about teaching in an EdD in Educational Leadership program is the opportunity to engage with individuals committed to driving meaningful change in education. The EdD is designed for professionals who are already in or aspire to leadership roles, and they bring a wealth of real-world experience and a passion for improving the educational system. This dynamic creates a unique environment for thoughtful, strategic conversations addressing complex education issues.

Dr. Sol Leon Professor EdD in Educational Leadership, Bay Path University Doctoral Professor at the Pontificia Universidad Catholica de Puerto Rico and Nova University Senior Lecturer Cambridge College, Puerto Rico Head of School of a Full-Immersion English School, Puerto Rico

Faculty Spotlight

I’m particularly excited about working with students focused on making a tangible difference in transforming K-12 schools, higher education institutions, or community-based educational programs. The EdD program allows for a blend of theory and practical application, and I love helping students bridge those two worlds. By examining leadership theories, organizational behavior, and policy analysis, students can develop innovative strategies for addressing equity, access, and achievement gaps within their contexts. The focus on ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, and leading diverse teams aligns with my passion for fostering inclusive, sustainable leadership. The ability to support and mentor these future leaders who will go on to shape the educational landscapes of tomorrow is both inspiring and motivating for me as an educator. The diversity of perspectives in an EdD program is incredibly enriching. With students from different regions, backgrounds, and educational settings, the classroom becomes a center of research on the more significant educational situations, and the ideas are truly energizing. This diverse exchange challenges me to think critically about adapting leadership practices to meet the evolving needs of our students, schools, and communities. This program differs from my experience as a doctoral student as the focus was mainly on content, an exciting aspect because knowing theories, instructional plans, and research is extremely important to face the educational environment from the perspective of what is written. However, in this changing world, the perspective of action research becomes more than necessary; developing the ability to identify situations, analyze them, and propose solutions is imperative in all educational, social, and personal scenarios. So, the action research aspect of problem-solving is the major difference between this excellent doctoral program and the program with which I completed my doctoral degree. Click here to learn more about Dr. Leon

Dr. Christina Royal Professor EdD in Educational Leadership, Bay Path University President & CEO of Infinite Unlearning, LLC Board of Higher Education for the State of Massachusetts Chair of the Board of the Western Mass Economic Development Council Board member for the LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education

The EdD in Educational Leadership is an excellent doctoral program. While this program appeals to prospective students from all over the country and internationally, it is also very beneficial locally, since higher education is a predominant economic sector in our region. We have an opportunity in this program to discuss contemporary issues facing higher education and K-12 and the program also prepares leaders to think expansively and innovatively about opportunities and challenges in the future.

This program is much improved from my experience as a doctoral student. I received my doctorate in 2007, and colleges and universities have come a long way in understanding how to provide better academic support for students. The immersive weekend is an excellent way for students in an online program to form meaningful and deep connections with other students, as well as the faculty and staff. These relationships foster a greater sense of connection when students are working at a distance. My doctoral program has residencies throughout the program; however, providing an opportunity for an immersive weekend at the beginning of the program allows students to build deeper connections at the start of their doctoral journey. Another significant support in this program is a writing coach. Many students in the program have been out of school for a few years, so the concept of writing an academic paper is daunting. There was a ten-year gap from when I completed my bachelor’s degree to when I started my master’s degree, and I understand the feeling of having to re-learn the norms of academic writing. Bay Path University provides a writing coach who offers regular writing workshops and also meets with students one-on-one to provide individualized guidance on academic papers and APA formatting. How does your senior leadership experience, especially your time as a college President, influence your work with doctoral students? In my experience teaching in higher education at the undergraduate and graduate levels for the past two decades, I find that graduate students really enjoy faculty who have held the roles they aspire to. Many individuals are already working in the field of education, and students appreciate learning from the experiences of current and former leaders. The lived experiences of faculty who have held or currently hold leadership positions enriches and supplements the curriculum by bringing theory and practice together. My favorite conversations are when I share a leadership situation that I encountered and ask students how they would resolve the issue, and then process the possible outcomes with them. Our students represent the future of education, and it gives me hope that our system of education will continue to evolve and change to be relevant to our communities and society. Click here to learn more about Dr. Royal

Dr. Carroll Bronson EdD in Educational Leadership Professor of Practice

The students study transformational leadership and change, but how would you describe their transformation as students and leaders throughout the program? Students in this program undergo a multifaceted transformation. At the start, they often bring a passion for change but may lack the tools to effect it systematically. Through carefully designed coursework and mentorship, they build confidence in research, self-reflection, and strategic planning. My experience mentoring doctoral students shows how personalized guidance and practical application help students discover their potential as transformative leaders. By the program’s end, they emerge not only as stronger scholars but also as agile leaders, adept at using innovative strategies to inspire and sustain change within their organizations.

Leadership Profile

What makes the EdD in Educational Leadership at Bay Path unique? The EdD in Educational Leadership at Bay Path University is uniquely positioned to foster transformative leadership through its applied and personalized approach. The program integrates rigorous, research-based coursework with practical applications that directly address real-world challenges. The Applied Dissertation in Practice sets it apart, allowing students to implement change initiatives within their organizations while receiving expert guidance from practitioner-scholars. Bay Path's emphasis on community-building—through its Community of Practice and small class sizes—creates an environment of mutual support and collaboration, ensuring students feel empowered to lead change. Having led faculty through transitions and curriculum development myself, I see Bay Path’s alignment of theory, practice, and personalized mentoring as truly exceptional in preparing leaders to create sustainable, impactful change.

What do you see as the most unique elements of your position, particularly to our doctoral program's development and direction? The most unique aspect of my role is the ability to draw on over 14 years of experience teaching research courses and mentoring doctoral students through their dissertation journeys. I’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of students from the initial stages of defining their research problems through the completion of their dissertations, ensuring their work meets the highest academic standards while remaining practical and impactful. My approach is deeply student-centered, focusing on equipping each individual with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed while fostering resilience and critical thinking to navigate the dissertation process successfully. Having taught and developed numerous research courses, I bring a wealth of expertise in qualitative methodologies and a deep understanding of the challenges students often face. This experience allows me to anticipate their needs, provide tailored support, and help them see their research as a powerful tool for driving systemic change. My focus on fostering reflective leadership and integrating innovative approaches, such as design thinking, ensures that students not only complete their dissertations but also emerge as scholars and leaders capable of implementing real-world solutions. Seeing students graduate with a sense of accomplishment and knowing I’ve contributed to their growth is the most rewarding part of my work.

How does your expertise in curriculum development influence your approach to mentoring EdD students? Having designed and implemented research courses and assessment tools, I approach mentoring with a keen understanding of how curriculum shapes student experiences. My focus is on aligning students’ academic goals with their professional aspirations, ensuring they see the immediate relevance of their research. By drawing on my own experiences in developing and delivering innovative student and faculty training, I emphasize practical applications of research, helping students translate theory into actionable strategies that create measurable impact in their workplaces.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Bronson

Program Highlight: The EdD Program Welcomes New Bilingual Cohort in Partnership with Cambridge College Puerto Rico

Students of PR Cohort and Dr. Leon at Immersive Weekend 2024

This year, the EdD in Educational Leadership Program is pleased to welcome a dynamic, bilingual cohort of students who are deepening the university’s relationship with Cambridge College. Bay Path University’s recent acquisition of Cambridge College includes a Boston-based campus as well as a unique, city campus in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico campus offers thriving masters programs in a range of educational fields. This fall, seven very talented educational professionals from these programs have moved into their doctoral work in Bay Path’s EdD, including the Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies concentration and the Transformative School Leadership concentration. The members of this new cohort work in schools and colleges throughout the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. As part of the program’s 54-credit track, they have seamlessly joined our first-year EdD students, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom. Dr. Sol Leon, a seasoned professor, educational leader, and curriculum design expert, based in the vibrant southern city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, is guiding the cohort in her role as Community of Practice professor. Dr. Leon and members of the new bilingual cohort traveled to our Immersive Weekend this October, and reported they were thrilled to see New England in all its bright, chilly, fall foliage glory. They were welcomed by new and returning students at the event, and are already deep into their first semester’s work. Bay Path’s collaboration with Cambridge College’s Puerto Rico campus continues to grow, with plans to expand opportunities, degree options, and educational pathways to serve the growing Spanish-speaking communities. In the meantime, we are thrilled that this passionate and skilled cohort of students has decided to join our program this fall.

Immersive Weekend 2024

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CHELIP exists as Bay Path University’s living laboratory and learning hub for higher education innovation, inviting research, scholarship, collaboration and the incubation of bold ideas. Click here to learn more about CHELIP and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

Register for this upcoming FREE Leading Edge Thinking in Higher Education webinar! Even if you can’t make it, we’ll send you the recording.

Reach and engage potential students by evolving your digital marketing strategy with the latest trends and technologies. In this presentation, higher education marketing expert Paula French will delve into the recent advancements reshaping the enrollment marketing landscape. Paula will discuss key trends in search engine optimization (SEO), social media, and digital advertising. She’ll offer best practices for institutions to ensure your marketing efforts continue to generate interest and enrollment in the age of AI, changing student behavior, and targeting limitations. Discover how these trends impact your higher education marketing strategy, and learn methods and metrics to measure success in a rapidly changing online environment. Attend this session to break down the buzzwords, and take away actionable tactics to improve your digital marketing results.

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership, Founding Director of the Doctoral Program and Provost Emerita at Bay Path University, has released her latest book, Ingenious Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education. Drawing on insights from over 100 interviews with accomplished higher education leaders featured on the IngenioUs podcast, this groundbreaking book identifies the traits, skills, and practices needed to lead in today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) landscape. The book guides leaders at all stages, offering strategies to empower transformative leadership, foster resilience, and drive mission-centered innovation. Accompanied by a comprehensive workbook, Ingenious Leadership is a must-read for those striving to reimagine higher education leadership to meet the demands of our times while preparing for the challenges ahead. To learn more about this inspiring and timely contribution to higher education leadership—or to get your copy—visit Academic Impressions. Congratulations, Dr. Morriss-Olson, on this remarkable achievement!

Exciting News: Distinguished Professor Melissa Morriss-Olson Publishes New Book, Ingenious Leadership