Delaware Valley University to Celebrate Its First Doctoral Graduates
Brian J. Swank ’17 decided to earn his Doctor of Education from Delaware Valley University so that he could become a better leader and change students’ lives.
“I want children to enjoy coming to school and to be proud of their education,” said Swank, principal at Pine Road Elementary School in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.
Swank is part of the first class to graduate from DelVal’s Doctor of Education program. The University will award its first doctoral degrees on Sunday, Dec. 10, in the Life Sciences Building auditorium from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dr. N. Robert Laws, a former Central Bucks superintendent, developed the program to prepare students for leadership roles in education. Students can focus on K through 12 education with the superintendent letter of eligibility or higher education leadership.
The program prepares students to guide schools in a rapidly changing world through a practice-based approach. It offers rich intellectual and theoretical background combined with many applied experiences. Students are encouraged to identify and pursue research interests.
A post-master's superintendent letter of eligibility certification program is available for students seeking the required coursework for eligibility without the doctoral degree. Students discuss contemporary educational issues and are mentored by some of the area’s most successful practitioners as well as national and regional guest lecturers.
At the ceremony, 14 students will receive their degrees. They are Todd M. Bauer, Charles Winthrop Beem, Michelle D. Bozzini, Stephen P. Cashman, Jason Luke Hadfield, Heather B. Heimer, Sherry Lynn Holub, Abram Mark Lucabaugh, Joey H. Rider-Bertrand, Michael J. H. Schaffer, Swank, Ann Marie G. Vaughn, Chad M. Watters and Michael David Zackon.
DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo will deliver the Commencement address. Dr. James Moryan, dean of graduate and professional studies, will present the graduates, and Dr. Laws, director of the Doctor of Education program, will lead the hooding ceremony.