Texas A&M University-Texarkana Board of Regents Approves New Doctoral Program 15 Years in the Making
Through the vision of former Texas A&M University-Texarkana President Dr. Stephen Hensley, and the work of administration, faculty, and staff over a fifteen year period, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved the first doctoral program at the Texarkana campus. The Doctor of Education in Education Leadership is a practitioner’s degree, meaning the degree will prepare educators for education leadership roles and enhance their opportunities for landing highly competitive jobs. “We are proud to bring Dr. Hensley’s vision to fruition through the diligent efforts of many here at A&M-Texarkana,” said Dr. Emily Cutrer, President, Texas A&M University-Texarkana. “All of the components have come together and will allow us to offer an exceptional doctoral program to meet the demands of the education leaders in Texarkana and the surrounding areas.”
Because of the growth that the Texarkana campus is experiencing and the demand for education leadership jobs in the area, this announcement comes at a good time for the university. “Never in history has K-12 education been under as much scrutiny as it is in today’s society. Thanks to increased accountability, constant innovations in technology, and the rapidly changing demographics of Texas and the ArkLaTex, school districts are demanding qualified, experienced, and highly educated leaders to meet the ever-changing climate in our schools,” said Dr. Rosanne Stripling, A&M-Texarkana’s Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. “A&M-Texarkana has served the school districts in the region since its inception and the addition of the doctoral program is another step toward providing high quality education at an affordable price to the community. In establishing the doctoral program, the faculty were committed to create a program that will provide unique opportunities for the students. As part of a cohort, students will integrate the theoretical knowledge with the practical application in real world situations. The use of technology will ensure that students receive the convenience of an online program but with opportunities for face-to-face interaction to hone the invaluable interpersonal skills that school leaders require. Opportunities to learn about the latest issues facing school leaders on a local, state, national and international level are built into the courses through travel abroad and participation in state and federal venues,” she added.
In addition to the recent announcement of the System’s support for the doctoral program, A&M-Texarkana has also recently partnered with the Region 8 Education Service Center to offer the Bill Ratliff Superintendent Certification Program. This program is a superintendent preparation program that satisfies the State of Texas requirement for superintendent certification and focuses on the leadership domains established by the State Board of Educator Certification Superintendent Certification. Region 8—in its 13-year history—has served 350 students from over 150 school districts. This partnership expands the services of A&M-Texarkana into the Region VIII service area, and, in turn, the program will serve as an introduction to the new doctoral program.
“We are delighted to align ourselves with the Bill Ratliff Superintendent Academy and Region VIII Education Service Center. This is beneficial to both entities, but more importantly, it allows us to serve our communities as part of our missions,” said Dr. Glenda Ballard, Dean of the College of Education and Liberal Arts at A&M-Texarkana. The partnership with Region VIII and the first step in the approval process of the new doctoral program are just two examples of the exciting ventures going on at A&M-Texarkana. Dr. Ballard added “I’m pleased that Dr. Hensley’s vision is becoming a reality. He and Dr. Rosanne Stripling have had this goal for the region for a long time, and the reality is now in sight!”
The Doctor of Education in Leadership program will be a hybrid format, offering face-to-face and online classes. The proposed doctoral program is currently being reviewed by the Texas Higher Education Board, and A&M-Texarkana anticipates approval soon, with a projected launch date of summer 2016. For more information on this program or program requirements, contact Dr. Glenda Ballard at 903-223-3073 or by email at glenda.ballard@tamut.edu.
Dr. Steven Shidemantle, Assistant Professor of Education Administration, was instrumental in preparing the Doctor of Education Leadership program and submitting for accreditation.
