Henderson approves doctoral program

ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State University’s board of trustees approved plans to offer a doctor of education in instructional leadership through its Teachers College.

The new degree would be an extension of two educational specialist degrees already in place. Graduates from both specialist degrees, curriculum leadership and district level leadership, are candidates for the doctoral program.

Individuals completing the educational specialist degree would already have 30 of the 64 hours required for the doctoral program.

“The academic community at Henderson State is excited and pleased to have the Board of Trustees approve the doctor of education in instructional leadership,” said Steve Adkison, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Through this program, the university will enhance its contribution to the demand for highly skilled and educated school leaders.”

The doctor of education in instructional leadership will enable graduates to extend their knowledge of how to plan systemic reform and manage change processes with all stakeholders in a K-12 educational setting by blending practical application with educational research.

Henderson will now present the program to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission for consideration and approval.

Last month, Henderson trustees approved plans for a doctor of nursing practice degree and a master of science in nursing degree, which are also subject to state approval.

The Arkadelphia-based university has never had a doctoral program before.

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia is also seeking state approval for its first, proposed doctoral degree program — a doctor of education in rural and diverse education leadership.

The process will continue into 2018.