Ed.D. Degree Enables Alumna to Embark on Career in Higher Education as a Clinical Assistant Professor Alumni Profile
Meet Channing L. Moreland
- Job Title & Employer
- Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
- Major/Program
- Leadership and Administration-Ed.D.
- Graduation
- August 2018
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Penn Hills High School
- Now Living In
- Monroeville, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Traveling and interior design
"Dr. Moreland was recruited and hired by the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as a clinical assistant professor in its graduate training program in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling. Dr. Moreland’s blend of clinical skills and experience, coupled with her program management skills, made her a uniquely qualified prospective faculty member. Since her recent appointment, her leadership talents and qualities, developed and honed through her Point Park University doctoral training, have made her an immediate asset to our clinical and teaching mission at Pitt."
"By earning a doctoral degree, I am showing young black girls that obtaining this level of success is not out of their reach. I have a duty to mentor young people and give back to my community. The Ed.D. degree in leadership and administration has opened so many doors for me that would have been closed without it."
What factors made you decide to pursue a doctoral degree in leadership and administration?
I decided to pursue a doctoral degree to not only advance my career, but to fulfill a personal goal and to inspire others. The nonprofit field is very competitive in Allegheny County. As a program administrator, leadership was something that I exceled in, but I knew I needed a unique skill set to propel my career forward. Obtaining a terminal degree was something that I had to do.
Also, I realized that earning a doctoral degree was bigger than me. There are very few black women occupying executive and mid-level level leadership roles. There are even fewer black women in the professoriate. I grew up not seeing women who looked like me in prestigious and influential positions. However, I am fortunate that my mother and grandmother encouraged me to challenge myself and go as far as I could go academically and professionally.
By earning a doctoral degree, I am showing young black girls that obtaining this level of success is not out of their reach. I have a duty to mentor young people and give back to my community. The Ed.D. degree in leadership and administration has opened so many doors for me that would have been closed without it. I have been granted several platforms to allow my voice to be heard, which allows me to positively influence others. Leadership is all about influence and empowering others to be leaders.
How did this degree help you land your current positions?
My current department was not only searching for someone who had a doctoral degree and clinical experience, but someone who had experience in leading and developing programs. I teach graduate courses and have administrative responsibilities. I have a demonstrated history of leading a clinical program and developing and designing programs. My doctoral degree in leadership and administration gave me the language, knowledge and skills to lead others and add value to this organization.
How did the faculty in the Ed.D. program impact you?
The Point Park University School of Education faculty are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about leading. They all came with diverse leadership backgrounds which greatly impacted the student experience. I truly believe the faculty wanted to see us successfully complete our course work and defend! They were always available and willing to help.
Dr. Eric Stennett was our director at the time and he was such a great advocate. He encouraged us, but also held us accountable. I still remember his words, “Do not ring the bell.” Giving up was never an option! I’m a proud Point Park University alumna and wouldn’t have made it through without the support of the entire Ed.D. faculty, including my dissertation chair, Dr. Erroline Williams.
What are your career goals?
My career goal after obtaining my doctoral degree was to begin a career in higher education. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to educate and influence others. I would love to continue my career in higher education and work towards tenure. Conducting research and presenting internationally is also a goal of mine.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou