Re-envisioning the Professional Doctorate fro Educational Leadership and Higher Education Leadership: Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College Ed.D. Program
Peabody Journal of Education, Vol. 84, No. 1
Timothy C. Caboni
Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
Eve Proper
Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
This article describes the process by which the faculty of the Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College conceived and implemented a new doctoral program designed for senior education practitioners. The authors describe the organizational context in which decisions were made. Next, they explain the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the revised degree program. Then, specifics of the program curriculum and delivery are detailed. Finally, the article explores how the reconceptualized program is differentiated from the traditional research doctorate. At Vanderbilt, the Ed.D. is designed for mid-career professionals with an orientation to practice who seek a terminal degree and career advancement within their organizations. It is oriented toward solving problems of practice and takes as its goal placement of graduates into senior leadership positions within educational organizations.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Timothy C. Caboni is a faculty member in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy program and holds an administrative appointment as Peabody College's Associate Dean for External Relations and Professional Education. Dr. Caboni also serves as director of the Institutional Advancement program-the nation's only academic program devoted solely to the preparation of advancement professionals for colleges and universities. He teaches courses in fund raising, external relations, alumni relations, and university management for higher education. Professor Caboni also directs the higher education practicum program. He received his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 2001.
Eve Proper is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at Vanderbilt University.
