Doctorate of Education cohorts travel for summer residencies

(ABILENE, Texas)–Several cohorts from the Doctorate of Education in Leadership program traveled over the summer as they sought advice from leaders all over the globe, learning what leadership consists of in different parts of the world.

Although the program is a currently a hybrid program, meaning students are only required to meet on campus three weekends each semester, the summer residencies are jam-packed with experiences that cannot be taught in a classroom or out of a book. Whether visiting the capital of the nation of Austria or the Texas State Capitol, students will learn diverse leadership skills from many other cultures.

The Organizational Leadership class stands with Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick.

Beginning in Austin, Texas, students attending the Organizational Leadership in the State cohort toured the Capitol and met with several staff members such as Administrator for Rural Economic Development Rick Rhodes, Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddock, and Texas Senator Charles Perry’s Chief of Staff Matt Dowling.

Craddock is currently the head conservative in a leadership position. While at the Capitol, students listened carefully as she spoke about her upcoming policies and interests in upgrading technology in the oil industry as the Texas Railroad Commissioner. “Christi Craddock was one of the highlights of the trip,” Dr. Nancy Kucinski stated, “she actually spoke to the students about leading as a female and as a single mom.”

Closing out the trip, students met with a representative from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) where the cohort learned about upcoming initiatives for public education. The TEA is the state agency in charge of primary and secondary public education in which the overall goal is to provide leadership, guidance, and proper resources to help schools meet the educational needs of each student.

The Austin trip was partially coordinated by Rep. Stan Lambert’s office, and it is something that his office has always done for HSU.

Following the trip to Austin, two other cohorts from the Doctorate of Education in Leadership spent some of their summer traveling to Austria and Germany with Dr. Kucinski.

At the Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism, students learned about the aftermath of the Holocaust even today.

Beginning in Munich, Germany, students in the Intercultural Context, as well as the Leadership in Global and Cultural Context cohorts, toured the Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism. The museum was opened in 2015, to honor those affected by the Holocaust as well as educate visitors on the lasting repercussions of Hitler and the Nazi party. Continuing the tour, students hiked to Eagle’s Nest, a mountain retreat that was used for social gatherings, as well as what was remaining of Hitler’s birth home. During this tour, students saw the overwhelming consequences of what poor leadership can do around the world and the effects it has had on the world today.

Arriving in Salzburg, the group spent five days touring Salzburg College, attending lectures from professors such as Dr. Birgit Breninger and Dr. Timothy Bosworth regarding communication and culture, and the Spirit of Adventure. Throughout Salzburg, students visited sites such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens, and the Historic City Center.

While visiting Salzburg College, students had coffee with the former US Consular Agent to Salzburg, Jeanie DeGraff Mayer. During this meet-up, Mayer spoke to the students about her position as US Consular, as well as what skills are needed to perform the job well. “Jeanie DeGraff Mayer was an absolute delight to visit. She actually spent the majority of her time listening to us and hearing about our plans with school and beyond,” said Bethany Edwards. “but she also spoke on leading from the bottom. She mentioned that leadership does not always involve a position at the top, but that one can still be a leader despite their position.”

Dr. Kucinski and the Doctorate of Leadership cohorts visit the Austrian Parliament.

Following Mayer, students met with Secretary-General Paul Schmidt at the office of Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik, or The Austrian Society for European Politics where he spoke on the work they do within the country, and the European Union as a whole.

Throughout the trip, students toured museums, visited historical sites, and had spare time to admire the scenery. “Germany and Austria are absolutely beautiful! In my personal opinion, all of the trips hold certain advantages to the program and degree plan,” Edwards explained. “Bonding with our cohort, however, provides a level of support and security that helps us through the ups and downs of pursuing a doctorate.”

The Doctorate of Education will become a fully online program by Fall 2020, and next year’s locations for summer residencies may change.