Northeastern State employees make up inaugural Ed.D. cohort

First cohort of the Ed.D. in Community-Based Leadership begins doctoral work focused on leadership, applied research and real-world challenges

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University’s first cohort of students in the new Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Community-Based Leadership began classes this fall, marking the next step for the doctoral program.

The 13-member cohort is made up entirely of NSU employees from across the institution, representing a range of roles and professional experiences.

The program, offered through NSU’s Department of Educational Leadership, centers on applied leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and a Dissertation in Practice. Students will identify a challenge in their professional or community setting and use their doctoral work to explore possible solutions.

“This is about building leadership capacity across the region, not simply developing individual leaders, but strengthening the networks, partnerships and communities they serve, ” said Dr. Renée Cambiano, chair of the Ed.D. in Community-Based Leadership. “Our goal is to create a space where professionals can earn a doctorate, remain connected to their communities, conduct research that matters and gain the skills necessary to drive meaningful change.”

NSU President Rodney Hanley said the first cohort reflects the university’s commitment to developing leaders and strengthening the region.

“Developing leaders is part of our purpose as a university, and that work strengthens the places we call home,” Hanley said. “This program gives professionals the opportunity to grow as leaders while bringing new ideas and research to the challenges they encounter in their work. We’re proud to welcome our first cohort and look forward to seeing how they put what they learn into practice.”

The inaugural cohort includes:

• Katie Cochran
• Lena Deere
• Jennifer Ford
• Katie Fox
• Hayley Goodman
• Erik Harris
• Whitney Jones
• Alexander McLemore
• Leigh-Anna Miller
• Karrine Ortiz
• Michaella Stewart
• Don Vieth
• Chelsea Wiard Pappas

Applications for the program are reviewed by NSU’s Community-Based Leadership Admissions Committee, which includes:

• Dr. Renée Cambiano, Chair, Ed.D. in Community-Based Leadership
• Dr. Maria Gray, Department Chair, Educational Leadership
• Dr. Barbara Jones, Educational Leadership
• Dr. Stephen Sargent, Curriculum and Instruction
• Dr. Samantha Evans, Curriculum and Instruction

Applications are being accepted for future cohorts of the Ed.D. in Community-Based Leadership. Applications for the Fall 2027 cohort are due March 1, 2027, and applications for the Spring 2028 cohort are due Aug. 1, 2027.

For more information, visit https://coe.nsuok.edu/educationalleadership/default.aspx.

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