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Khaleel Desaque fulfilled a special promise on October 29 in Shippensburg University’s Old Main Chapel. About ten years ago, he promised his grandmother that he’d earn his doctorate, and this fall, he defended his dissertation for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. “My grandmother aspired to be a teacher and was denied the ability,” he said. “It was my calling and her dream.”
AIMING
FOR A HIGHER DEGREE
(Top) In October, Khaleel Desaque defended his dissertation, having completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He said strong support from the university and his family helped him to complete the program.
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SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
efending his dissertation was significant personally and professionally. Desaque also completed his EdD to set an example. When he entered the program, he worked as a principal in Baltimore. Each year, he met with teachers and encouraged them to set goals and return to school to further their education. “I was feeling hypocritical. I encouraged others and was not getting my terminal degree. …It’s made me a better educator and a better educational leader.” Defending his dissertation also was significant to Shippensburg University. Desaque is a member of the first cohort in Ship’s first doctoral program, which was approved by the State System in 2015. Jolinda Wilson earned the very first doctorate from Shippensburg this past February. Now, the program has six cohorts running. “The dissertations are exciting for us and for them, too,” said Dr. Jerry Fowler (right), director of the program. “We have eight or nine dissertations this semester. Our students now have models, a network, and fellow students who they can call and ask questions to.” And it won’t be long before Ship’s Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision yields similar results. The university’s second doctoral program earned approval in 2016, and a dozen students make up its first cohort. “Having the doctorate is huge,” said Dr. Ford Brooks (right), director of the Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. “This is an undergraduate institution. Having this program elevates it and brings about notoriety.” Introducing doctoral programs at Ship is impacting faculty, students, and the community. Dr. Nicole Hill, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said these two programs have invigorated the college. “It adds a layer of complexity to our work. Having experience with doctoral students
