{"id":30290,"date":"2016-10-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-05T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.tarleton.edu\/news\/enrollment-in-tarletons-doctorate-of-education-program-up-13-percent\/"},"modified":"2022-05-10T08:39:17","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T14:39:17","slug":"enrollment-in-tarletons-doctorate-of-education-program-up-13-percent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/enrollment-in-tarletons-doctorate-of-education-program-up-13-percent\/","title":{"rendered":"Enrollment in Tarleton’s doctorate of education program up 13 percent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Educational<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 5, 2016<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEPHENVILLE, Texas\u2014When Mary Elliott and Ariana Hernandez decided to earn a doctorate of education and take their careers to the next level, they had specific requirements in mind. Individualized attention. Frequent interaction with faculty. Networking opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also wanted a program that blends theory with practice and meets the needs of full-time working professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And they wanted to be part of a degree program\u2014a cohort\u2014where students begin their coursework together, study the same curriculum with the same professors, and graduate as one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They chose Tarleton State University. Enrollment in the university\u2019s doctoral program in educational leadership (Ed.D.) is up 13 percent for fall 2016 with 137 students. This year\u2019s cohort, No. 14, consists of 30 students from as near as Fort Worth to as far away as Corsicana. There are community college instructors, higher education directors, school administrators and classroom teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Member of an earlier cohort, Mary\u2014now Dr. Elliott\u2014found Tarleton\u2019s Stephenville campus a quick drive from Waco and the tuition affordable. A former high school teacher turned apparel-design-and-product-development instructor at Baylor University, she graduated this past spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ariana started this fall but has inside information on what to expect. Her husband, Elmer Avellaneda, is in his second year of Tarleton\u2019s Ed.D. program and his experience is the reason she\u2019s enrolled in the university\u2019s newest cohort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elmer recently started duties as executive director of special programs for the Corsicana Independent School District, and Ariana serves there as a kindergarten teacher in the bilingual program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve watched Elmer grow personally and professionally,\u201d Ariana said of Elmer\u2019s stint at Tarleton. \u201cNow, it\u2019s my turn. His cohort experience is nothing but amazing, and I look forward to the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students in Mary\u2019s cohort stay in contact even though they\u2019ve completed their degree, seeking professional advice and sharing family updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks to Tarleton\u2019s cohort program, I now have 26 professional and personal friendships that will last a lifetime,\u201d Mary said. \u201cWe encouraged each other through the entire three-year degree program, shared ideas, exchanged lecture notes\u2014even cried and laughed together\u2014and applauded profusely as members crossed the stage to receive their diploma.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Dr. Tod Farmer, head of Tarleton\u2019s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program, professional networks and support groups are just two of many benefits associated with cohort learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCohorts foster intrinsic motivation,\u201d he explained, \u201cand help sustain the push to complete a degree program. Research proves that students involved with a cohort are more likely to graduate than those who attempt the same program solo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMembers of a cohort share similar career goals and, in concert, many of the same concerns and challenges,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cThey blend practical wisdom, professional skills and knowledge to create a framework for the kind of study and research certain to take education to new levels of excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton is working with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) to re-envision its Ed.D. program. A consortium of more than 80 universities headquartered at the University of Pittsburg, the CPED works to strengthen and improve doctorate of education programs worldwide to better equip practitioners to meet the educational challenges of the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once enhancements are made, chances are good that the CPED will invite Tarleton to become a member, bringing even greater credibility to the university\u2019s Ed.D. program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs one of the fastest growing public universities in Texas, it\u2019s imperative that Tarleton provide the type of program that prepares educational professionals for collaborative leadership in an ever-advancing and rapidly changing field,\u201d Dr. Farmer explained. \u201cIn addition to instruction by distinguished faculty, students enrolled in our cohort program gain hands-on experience through internships and authentic research in all aspects of educational leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A strong research base helped Mary and Ariana choose Tarleton as the best place to earn their doctorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTarleton\u2019s Ed.D. program makes room for personal and group research specific to career interests,\u201d Mary said, \u201cturning cohort members into critical thinkers, well-informed leaders and agents for positive change in the educational community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe research is vital to stay at the forefront of educational advancements and improve quality of life,\u201d Ariana explained. \u201cCollaboration\u2014cohort learning\u2014encourages research relevant to current challenges and opportunities, making room for individual strengths, experiences and perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have no doubt that, like Elmer, I\u2019ll grow personally and professionally as I work on my doctorate,\u201d Ariana said. \u201cWith the encouragement and camaraderie of my peers, I can make a bigger difference in the lives of the students I teach today. I don\u2019t have to wait until graduation. A new door is open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s walk through\u2014together\u2014cohort 14.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on Tarleton\u2019s Ed.D. program and cohort learning, visit http:\/\/programs.tarleton.edu\/doctoral\/edd-educational-leadership\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow\u2019s professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: Dr. Tod Farmer, Department Head – Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
254-968-1936
farmer@tarleton.edu<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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