Arkansas State University - Ed.D. Educational Leadership Program

Congrats to Felicia Goings who defended her dissertation this semester entitled: AN ANALYSIS OF HOW EDUCATORS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT SCORES OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.

Dr. Shelly Hardin successfully defended her dissertation study about “Perceptions of trauma-informed trained campus leadership.” Dr. Hardin's dissertation doctoral committee faculty members included Chair Bronwyn MacFarlane, Mentor Richard Casey, Member Rob Williams. Congratulations Dr. Hardin!

Dr. Bronwyn MacFarlane, professor of educational leadership, presented a national webinar with a recent doctoral degree recipient, Dr. Gregory Spiegel, for the National Association for Gifted Children. Their invited talk focused on how STEM competitions can serve as powerful learning ecosystems through which gifted learners build creativity, collaboration, resilience and deep content knowledge. Their session also explored how educators and parents can use competitions to support talent development and spark innovation.

Congratulations to Dr. Shayna Miles who was awarded the Outstanding Student Award for the Educational Leadership Program at the College of Education 2026 awards banquet. Shayna completed her dissertation titled Preparation of Novice Teachers in Special Education where she collected and coded data from novice K-8 special education teachers. Her research was guided and supported by her mentor, Dr. Tania Reis, and her faculty chair, Dr. Bronwyn MacFarlane – along with her committee members Dr. Jessie King and Dr Mary Margaret Cunningham. It was a very special day for many reasons! Congratulations Dr. Shayna Miles – you make the world a better place!

A bit about Dr. Miles - Dr. Shayna Miles is an educator, advocate, and leader in special education. She earned her undergraduate degree in Learning and Behavior Disorders and her Master of Arts in Education in Reading and Writing from Murray State University, along with endorsements in Literacy (K–12) and Gifted and Talented Education (K–12). She also holds Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) Level 1 Certification and Board Certification in Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE).Dr. Miles earned her Education Specialist degree and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She is also the co-founder of The Levi Miles Foundation, where she advances advocacy and support for children and families. Dr. Miles is passionate about building on students’ strengths and empowering them to become confident, independent learners within the community. Dr. Miles currently resides in Paris, Tennessee with her husband, David, and their children: Kenna, Lennie, Leory, and Levi, whose life is honored and lovingly remembered. They joyfully anticipate the arrival of Leonard in June.

Kaesebier, Reis, and Singleton Present Research at NASPA

Doctoral Candidate in the Educational Leadership program, Katy Kaesebier presented her research, along with Dr. Tania Reis, and Dr. Topeka Singleton, assistant professors of Educational Leadership at the NASPA conference for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education in Kansas City, Missouri. The research focused on women presidents at higher education research institutions with backgrounds in student affairs. Through interviewing six of the 15 presidents meeting the criteria, the researchers found that mentorship and sponsorship, professional development opportunities and support systems, and breaking down gender-based stereotypes have contributed to their successful ascension to the role. The research provides insight into how the field of student affairs can more effectively support women's leadership development and legitimize the skills developed and experiences gained through a career in student affairs. NASPA is a highly competitive peer reviewed conference.

Congratulations Katy! We are so proud of you!

Dr. Amany Saleh, professor of curriculum and instruction, Center for Excellence in Education, was selected as a STAR Luminary by the Star Scholars Network in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, mentorship and contributions to higher education. This distinction was conferred during the eighth anniversary celebration and STAR Global Futures Forum at the Arizona State University campus in Washington, D.C. Saleh was recognized during a ceremony attended by university presidents, policymakers, and global scholars. Full Article: https://starscholars.org/star-luminaries/

Possible Scholarship Opportunities for Graduate Students:

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Upcoming Dissertation Defense: Kristen Fondren (March 27, 2026, 11:00 a.m. CDT)

Kristen will defend her dissertation, “Understanding Principal Perspectives on What Professional Learning Supports Sustained School Improvements: A Qualitative Case Study,” on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (CDT).

The defense will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Please use the following meeting link to attend: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26402354703499?p=NeQNtULh0PO0ak49bBLinks to an external site.

Attendees are kindly asked to mute their microphones upon joining to avoid disrupting the presentation.

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Doctoral student, Arianne Pait, presented "G.R.O.W.ing a Research Agenda Through Personal Expertise and Collaboration" at the 2026 Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education annual conference last week at Harding University. We love celebrating all of the amazing things are students are doing!

Susan Drake will defend her dissertation entitled: "IMPACT OF EXPANDED CORE CURRICULUM ON COLLEGE AND JOB PLACEMENT FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED" on March 17, 2026 at 3pm CST. The defense will be viewable at the following Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24798735285416?p=pPO6fhFkbyuf2PUY4R

Please mute your mics so you do not disturb her defense.

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Marco French, EdD Educational Leadership in Higher Education will defend his dissertation entitled: Exploring the Barriers That Preclude Black Males from Pursuing Careers in Education. It will be presented via teams https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25514510624453?p=WTYL4WRBxJFxw0WuRV on Sunday March 15th at 5pm CDT. Please be sure to mute your microphones so you do not distract the student and committee.

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Congratulations! to A-State doctoral professor, Dr. Bronwyn MacFarlane, and recent doctoral graduate, Dr. Gregory Spiegel, on your national webinar about STEM education on March 9.