JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 5, 2001 — The 51社区 Board of Trustees, in its recent fall meeting, unanimously approved a new doctoral program in education 鈥� the first doctoral degree in the history of the university and in Jackson-Madison County.
鈥淲e could not be more excited about this next step forward for 51社区鈥檚 expanding academic offerings,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淔or Union to become a doctoral granting institution holds great significance not only for the university but for the entire region.鈥�
According to Tom Rosebrough, dean of the School of Education and Human Studies at Union, the Ed.D. is the highest professional degree in education. Candidates for this degree are recognized for their commitment to the application of knowledge for the improvement of educational practice. The primary purpose of an Ed.D. program is to provide experienced educators with a broad and systematic understanding of educational theory and practice, and an ability to apply existing research findings to educational problems.
鈥淭he Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Union is a blend of theory, research, scholarly inquiry, and best practice,鈥� said Rosebrough. 鈥淪et in a context of Christian values designed to prepare instructional leaders, this degree will enable graduates to articulate the central issues and solve the salient problems of contemporary educational society,鈥� said Rosebrough.
Also approved by the Board was a proposed Academic Master Plan 鈥� a planning document developed by a faculty committee over the last two years that outlines and underscores a set of strategic initiatives which will assist in preparing Union students for the 21st century.
鈥淭his is a faculty-prepared guide that will prepare stellar faculty and recruit stellar students to Union,鈥� said Jimmy Davis, associate provost to the university. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the most thorough and detailed one we鈥檝e ever done and will ensure quality programming, allow faculty to stay fresh in their discipline, as well as stay active as effective scholars. The new admission procedures will ensure a high quality student body.鈥�
For more information on the , contact the School of Education and Human Studies at (731) 661-5372.