September 26, 2024
Department of Educational Leadership Updates (2023-2024)
Educational Leadership students, alumni recognized for excellence
Several LEED students and alumni received recognitions during the 2023-24 academic year.
Administrators of the Year
Dr. Kisha Timberlake was named the Outstanding Administrator of the Gifted by Lee County Schools.
Dr. Jennifer James was selected as Pitt County Schools Principal of the Year.
Dr. Michael Moon was selected as Lenoir County Public Schools Principal of the Year.
Dr. Kelly Anne Mudd was selected as the Edgecombe County Public Schools Principal of the Year.
Achievement Awards
Dr. Paul Koh, assistant professor at Towson University, and Dr. Carrie Morris, associate director for school leadership in ECU’s edPIRATE program, received the 2023 Glatthorn Distinguished Dissertation Award.
Dr. Mark Sorrells, Fayetteville Technical Community College president, received NC TECH’s Statewide Gamechanger Award for his work in building North Carolina’s cybersecurity network.
Student Perspectives: Argentina Study Abroad as a Professional
Doctorate student Nora Davis-Lee explains what this trip meant to her
My study abroad trip to Argentina through East Carolina Community College during spring break 2024 was an experience that profoundly impacted my professional outlook and personal growth. As someone who had never ventured outside the United States before, this journey marked a significant milestone in my life, both academically and culturally.
Exploring Argentina’s educational landscape opened my eyes to new policies and practices within the field, offering invaluable insights that I could never have gleaned from textbooks alone. Witnessing firsthand the nuances of their educational system provided me with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse approaches to teaching and learning across the globe.
The confidence and pride I gained from navigating unfamiliar territory and immersing myself in a foreign educational environment have been immeasurable. Upon returning home, I was eager to share my experiences with colleagues and students, enriching our discussions with perspectives gained from classrooms thousands of miles away.
Being able to interact with Argentine students and faculty/staff and witnessing their dedication and passion for education instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and pride in my role as an instructor, adviser, and mentor. Their commitment to excellence was a source of inspiration, reminding me of the profound impact education can have on individuals and societies.
This study abroad experience has broadened my professional horizons and enriched my personal life in ways I could never have imagined. I am deeply grateful to East Carolina University for providing me with this opportunity, and I will forever cherish the memories and lessons I learned during my time in Argentina. It has made me a more well-rounded professional and global citizen, and I look forward to continuing to incorporate these experiences into my work for years to come.
Writing retreats build connections
To encourage connections within cohorts, the East Carolina University Educational Leadership department began hosting summer writing retreats for students.
“As the EdD is an online program, the writing retreat is an opportunity for students to connect with each other and receive feedback as they’re writing their dissertations,” said Dr. Crystal Chambers, professor in educational leadership.
A theme running throughout all the workshops is balance — students work hard on their dissertations but also have enjoyable experiences together, such as riverfront dining, going to the beach and meeting an Iron Chef.
“I enjoyed lunch with my cohort and having the chance to learn more about each other,” said Phylicia Bridgers, a current EdD student. “We shared our food preferences, travel experiences, details about our families and learned more about the work we get to contribute to on a daily basis. I’m not sure if we would have had the opportunity to connect like this organically if Dr. Chambers hadn’t organized the writing retreats.”
Another current EdD student, Matthew Passwater, also agreed with Bridgers’ sentiment.
“We all are working through similar issues and have a lot of the same questions, but when you are in a distance education program, there are times it can feel kind of isolating,” he said. “Even though we meet regularly virtually for class and we talk and text fairly regularly, getting into a physical space fosters a different opportunity to work together with multiple people at once, and you realize you aren’t the only one with the question or issue.”
In the EdD program, students begin working on their dissertation at the very beginning of the program. Having the ability to workshop ideas and gain feedback from each other through the writing retreats was critical for several students.
“My peers offered valuable insights that refined my ideas and enhanced my overall narrative,” said Kamesia House, a current EdD student. “Their feedback also served as a source of motivation, boosting my confidence and encouraging ongoing refinement.”
The retreats have proven to be a success, as students noted feelings of improved confidence and productivity through the experience.
“Writing often makes me feel vulnerable but sharing that vulnerable space with my classmates and drawing on their strengths was very rewarding,” Bridgers said. “We all want to see each other win and be successful.”
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- InspirED Fall 2024
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