Point Park's First Doctoral Students to Graduate Defend Their Dissertations Thursday, September 8, 2016

The University's first doctoral students to graduate - Amy Miller, Laura Miller and Kelly Noyes - successfully defended their dissertations Aug. 29 and were awarded Doctor of Education degrees in leadership and administration.

"This was a historic day for the education department and the University. The Ed.D. degree offered at Point Park is the culmination of an idea and dream of our education department to offer a doctoral program," explained Eric Stennett, Ed.D., visiting assistant professor and director of the Ed.D. program.

"We are so proud of these three doctoral graduates. It was emotional event for all of us and a great day for the students, faculty and the University," Stennett added.

Meet the Class of 2016 Ed.D. Graduates

Amy Miller

Elementary Principal/Special Education Director, Chestnut Ridge School District

Dissertation: "Are Resilient Principals More Committed to Their Work?: A Quantitative Study of Resilience and Work Commitment Among Principals in Pennsylvania"

"Academically, Point Park's program challenged my research and writing skills. I am amazed how far I have come with my ability to read and interpret research. Professionally, I am more in tune with the feelings and consideration of others. I seek out my staff's feedback more often and model more of the Five Pillars of Leadership."

Laura Miller

Dean of Students and Middle School Librarian, Forest Hills School District

Dissertation: "Is There a Relationship Between Professional Experience and Perceived Self-Efficacy Characteristics and Heutagogical Practices in Teachers? A Mixed Methods Study of Heutagogical Practices in Pennsylvania Public School Teachers"

"Point Park's Ed.D. program and the wonderful faculty and staff have influenced me to be a better writer, thinker and leader. The program and the process of earning a doctorate have profoundly and forever changed me in the very core of who I am. The process was tough, and at times frustrating, but very worth it."

Kelly Noyes

K-12 ESL Program Director, Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Dissertation: "Factors That Influence English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Directors' and Educators' Choice of Program Model or Instructional Approach: A Mixed Methods Study of Pennsylvania Public Schools"

"This doctoral program at Point Park really stretched me to think more critically, to understand data and information at a much higher level, and to think at a scholarly level rather than just at a practitioner level."

Learn More

The Ed.D. in leadership and administration program is currently accepting applications for the fall 2017 semester. Learn about the program's admission requirements and graduate academics at Point Park University.

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