New Doctoral Program in Leadership off with a Bang

Now that Lindsey Koch has received a master’s degree and has settled down in Victoria, Texas, with a job at the University of Houston, she is taking on the task of earning a doctoral degree at Hardin-Simmons University. But this isn’t just any doctorate, and Koch isn’t just any student. She is part of a growing number of aspiring administrators who want to be globally competitive, enrolling in a new-age style program that designates leadership as a field of study. 

HSU is one of many universities across the nation responding to this global call for graduate level studies. Dr. Mary Christopher, associate dean of Irvin School of Education, professor of education studies, teacher certification officer, and graduate program director, was tapped to lead the team for the new Doctorate of Leadership (Ed.D.) degree, the program in which Lindsey will study.

Koch, and the other inaugural class members on campus for the orientation session for the new leadership degree, introduced themselves to each other, talking about their current positions and their future goals, revealing that they are from a diverse group of fields; nursing, ministry, business, and education. Christopher says she is pleased at the diversity of the inaugural class, “That is exactly the purpose of the new degree; leadership as a field of study as it relates to many careers and professional goals.” 

HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall congratulated and commended the students for taking this “next step” in their educational career. He reminded them of what Abraham Lincoln once said, “I will prepare and someday my chance will come.”  Tammy Coffman, an oncology registered nurse, agrees with that sentiment, saying to the other students in the class, “I see myself as a teacher, standing before my students one day, teaching them to care about their classmates so they can learn to care about their patients. I believe my presence in this program is about the people I can reach by teaching them and the people who will reach me,” says Coffman.

HSU Provost Dr. Tommy Brisco told students, “You have selected to earn a doctorate degree that can take you many places. Leadership is not confined to any area; it runs through all of what we do in life and our careers.”

Koch currently serves as UHV’s director of student life and services. Born and raised in Abilene, Koch earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising, with a minor in leadership from HSU, moving to Victoria after graduation to study for a master’s degree in adult and higher education.

Dr. Pam Williford, dean of the Irvin School of Education, who assisted in the development of the degree, told class members, “We studied this program for two years before we finalized it. I wish there had been a program like this in leadership when I was studying for my degree.”

Dr. Nancy Kucinski, dean of HSU’s Graduate Studies and professor of management, told students, “We need leaders who speak the truth, who are willing to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to provide leadership. In this class, you will learn from each other, and that will pay off for the state, the nation, and the world.”

Kucinski, Williford, Brisco, and Hall will all be teaching classes in the new program. This fall semester, students study primarily with Dr. Coleman Patterson, director of Leadership Studies and professor of management and leadership in the Kelley College of Business, one of Koch’s former professors at HSU when she was earning a leadership minor.

Some of the goals of the program, says Christopher, are to merge scholars with community practitioners to develop enlightened, ethical leaders. “Through study in a faith-based environment, graduates of the program will embody skills, knowledge, and dispositions to bridge theories with research-based practices to become visionary leaders.

“Good leadership, like critical thinking, crosses all boundaries and applies to all circumstances in which people work together,” she says. Christopher points to several significant writers on the topic of leadership and leaders in the Abilene area who agree that good leadership requires good character. “While the students who seek this doctorate in leadership may enter the program with well-developed character, the doctoral studies will influence further character development,” says Christopher. “Developing and encouraging the unique gifts and skills of an effective team requires character that demonstrates respect for fellow human beings. HSU’s inherent Christian foundation provides the perfect base for fostering exemplary character essential for leadership.”

Students in the program come from as far away as Midland, Weatherford, and San Angelo, as well as Abilene and Big Country cities like Merkel, Tuscola, and Clyde. They have completed master’s degrees from such universities as the University of Houston, Angelo State University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas A & M University-Commerce, East Texas State University, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene Christian University, and McMurry University.

Below is a list of the students enrolled in Doctorate of Leadership (Ed.D.) degree…