INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) will mark a historic milestone during its upcoming commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, as members of its inaugural Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership Studies cohort will graduate.
The fully online, two-year program is the first doctorate degree in the history of WVSU and is designed forworking professionals. Fourteen doctoral students from the program will take part in the ceremony, representing a significant achievement for both the university and the region.
“Four years ago we had a bold vision of transitioning West Virginia State University to a doctoral degree granting institution,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “Graduation of this inaugural cohort represents the culmination of that vision and showcases the mission of our university in action; developing leaders who are equipped to create meaningful change in their organizations and communities.”
The inaugural cohort reflects an accomplished group of working professionals from across West Virginia — including the Kanawha Valley, Morgantown, Weston, and Tucker County — as well as participants from the Atlanta, Georgia, area and the greater Cincinnati, Ohio, region. Each student has balanced the rigor of doctoral study while working full-time in fields such as K–12 education, school leadership, higher education, student services, state government, and nonprofit organizations.
The Ed.D. program emphasizes applied research designed to address real-world challenges within students’ professional settings. Each graduate completed a dissertation focused on a specific problem of practice within their organization, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving outcomes and advancing organizational effectiveness.
Research conducted by the cohort explored a range of critical issues, including:
- Strengthening student engagement and belonging
- Improving teacher support, morale, and retention
- Enhancing instructional leadership and classroom practices
- Expanding access to equitable and inclusive learning environments
- Improving communication and organizational effectiveness
- Increasing stakeholder understanding and support for key initiatives
A distinguishing feature of the program is its focus on practice-based research conducted within students’ own workplaces. This approach enables candidates to design and implement evidence-informed solutions with immediate, meaningful impact in their schools, agencies, and communities.
Equally notable has been the strong sense of collaboration fostered within the cohort. Through structured collaborative groups, students have worked closely together to exchange feedback, share ideas, and support one another throughout the dissertation process. These connections have strengthened both their academic work and professional growth, creating a lasting network of educational leaders.
For more information about the Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies visit the program website here, or contact Dr. Emily Waugh at (304) 766-5192 or ewaugh@wvstateu.edu.
Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook, Instagram @wvsu_official, and X @WVStateU.
– WVSU –