Delaware State University has announced that its Doctor of Education program in Educational Leadership has been accepted as a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. This distinction represents the highest achievement for doctoral education programs. It also marks a significant milestone for DSU as one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities recognized by the consortium.
Dr. Shelley Rouser, chair of the education department at DSU, emphasized the importance of this affiliation. “Being part of a professional network of like-minded institutions fosters collaboration and sharing of best practices while at the same time creating the ideal context to learn from those who have made strides in those areas where we aspire to become even greater.”
Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, interim provost and chief academic officer, expressed optimism about the impact of CPED membership on DSU’s educational offerings. “This affiliation marks an important milestone in the evolution of our Doctor of Education program and positions us among a distinguished group of HBCUs within the CPED consortium,” she explained. “It is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and scholars, who are at the forefront of preparing inclusive educational leaders for both higher education and K-12 settings.”
Evolution of the Ed.D. Program
DSU established its Ed.D. program in 2005 and initially focused on educational leadership. The program evolved in 2015, offering specialized K-12 school leadership and higher education tracks. As a CPED member, the program will gain access to valuable resources to enhance educational leadership preparation.
“We are elated to be recognized by CPED,” said Dr. Brenda G. Wynder, associate professor of K-12 educational leadership and DSU’s primary liaison with CPED. “This opportunity will confirm the effectiveness of practices that are already in place as well as equip us with other cutting-edge practices being used in the field.” The program plans to implement CPED resources beginning in the Spring 2025 semester to refine its specializations further.
With over 145 colleges and universities in its consortium, the CPED provides a platform for continuously evaluating and improving doctoral programs.
The CPED recognizes DSU’s Ed.D. program for its academic rigor, program excellence, and commitment to equity, ethics, and social justice. Established in 2007, the CPED aims to support Ed.D. programs by challenging faculty to rethink advanced educational leadership preparation and improve doctoral program development.
