EdD Success Stories

Dr. Patricia CosentinoDissertation: The Kindergarten Buddy Program and Its Effect on Reading Achievement for At-Risk Kindergarten Students

I received my Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Western Connecticut State University in 2008. The five years in the program were challenging, but very rewarding.

As a member of Cohort One, the Alpha Cohort, I have made lifelong friends and colleagues. The doctorate degree has allowed me to become a Superintendent of Schools in three districts that partner with WCSU.

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Natalie IkonnI consider WCSU my alma mater; it holds a special place in my heart. As a recent MBA graduate from WCSU, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning during my years there, which influenced my decision to become a doctoral student in Instructional leadership.

Being a part of the EdD in Instructional Leadership cohort has been a profound chapter in my life and significantly shaped my professional and personal development.

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Dr. Britany KuslisDissertation: Teacher Perceptions of Principal Support and Teacher Self-Efficacy

The EdD program had a tremendous impact on me professionally and personally.

Through the doctoral program I developed a mentor relationship with my advisor who provided me with direct instruction, and support that was consistent, extensive, and ingrained in the structure of the coursework.

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Matthew KellyI joined Cohort 10 in fall 2022 and was blown away from the sense of community within the cohort and Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership program.

From my fellow cohort members to the professors, everyone has extended a warm welcome and been extremely helpful in getting me acclimated to the program.

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Dr. Frank LaBancaDissertation: Impact of Problem Finding on the Quality of Authentic Open Inquiry Science Research Projects
Even early in my professional career, I had a strong interest in earning a doctorate degree. Twenty years ago, when I began this journey, it was far less common for practitioners.

When I found out about Western Connecticut State University's (at the time) new Instructional Leadership program, I knew I had found a perfect match.

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Dr. Laura MainDissertation: Effect of Style Training on Future Problem Solving Performance

The EdD program with its focus on Instructional Leadership supported me in becoming a careful decision-maker. The program afforded me the skills I needed to build a comprehensive academic program which is grounded in research when working as a founding administrator in charter schools in urban settings.

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Sandra PeñaAt WCSU, the 092 Certification, to be a school-based administrator, is part of the Instructional Leadership Doctoral Program and after reviewing what it entailed, I happily enrolled in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program. I have been part of this doctoral program since the fall of 2021.

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Peter TragniI started my collaboration with WCSU in 1983. I first received a Bachelor’s Degree in History, then, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from WCSU.

Now, I am now pursuing an EdD in Instructional Leadership. So, for 40 years, Westconn has been in my life. The staff and curriculum have positioned me to excel in all my chosen endeavors.

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Marigrace WalkerWhen I decided to pursue a doctoral degree, I was 55 years old. I looked at numerous Doctor of Education (Ed.D) programs in Connecticut, and WCSU stood out for many reasons.

The Ed.D program at WCSU is rigorous and provides me with a rich, quality educational experience.

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