Preparing for Executive Leadership with an EdD in Higher Ed

Why Does Leadership in Higher Education Require an Advanced Degree?

Advancing into executive leadership roles in higher education requires more than experience—it demands a deeper level of expertise and strategic insight to navigate today’s challenges. From shifting demographics and increasing diversity efforts to the integration of technology and the rising focus on student success, higher education is experiencing a significant transformation.

And leaders must be prepared to guide institutions through these changes while maintaining their focus on long-term growth and mission-driven goals.

For many mid-career professionals, an advanced degree is a critical step in addressing these shifts and preparing for the complexities of leadership. “There’s so much changing right now,” observes Conway Campbell, a Regis College EdD alumnus.

As a result, advanced education provides the tools to interpret these higher education trends, adapt to evolving needs, and implement practical strategies that drive meaningful impact. It also equips professionals to lead with confidence, ensuring their institutions remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly dynamic landscape.

PhD vs. EdD: Which Is Right For You?

When considering an advanced degree in higher education, professionals often evaluate two options: PhD and EdD. While both are rigorous and valuable credentials, they serve different purposes and cater to distinct career aspirations.

The Doctor of Education (EdD), is designed for professionals who want to bridge theory and practice. It emphasizes practical leadership and applied research to equip graduates with the tools needed to address real-world challenges in higher education.

However, it’s important to note that not all EdD’s are created equal. For example, not all EdD’s emphasize executive leadership in higher education. That’s why it’s important to research programs closely like Campbell did.

“The first thing that stood out to me about the Regis program was the title,” Campbell shares. “It was higher education leadership. And as I pondered the program, I thought, ‘this is going to teach me how to lead in my field.'" This focus makes the EdD particularly appealing to mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their ability to drive institutional change and innovate within their organizations.

In contrast, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is traditionally research-oriented, preparing graduates for roles in academia or scholarly research. PhD programs often prioritize theoretical frameworks and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field, making them ideal for individuals interested in teaching or conducting independent research.

Choosing between a PhD and an EdD ultimately depends on your career aspirations. If your goal is to excel in executive leadership, driving institutional transformation, and solving practical challenges, the EdD offers a clear path forward. But how does this education fully prepare you for the challenges of executive leadership?

How an EdD Prepares You for Executive Leadership in Higher Education

Bridges Theory and Practice

The unique strength of an EdD lies in its ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. Unlike programs focused solely on theoretical frameworks, the EdD emphasizes applied research projects that allow candidates to address real-world issues within their organizations, fostering the development of actionable, data-driven strategies.

“The coursework can be challenging,” Campbell says. “But they always address the issues that are meant to help you in your current and future roles.”

One example of this hands-on learning is a project within a Regis EdD course where Campbell stepped outside his expertise to tackle a new topic, simulating the role of a consultant. For his project, Campbell chose to focus on enrollment, a field he found intriguing but had no previous experience in. He analyzed his institution’s enrollment and retention strategies and developed recommendations to improve these areas.

“This exercise really allowed me to add to my experience and sparked ideas that materialized in my role,” he explains. In the end, Campbell presented his findings to colleagues, including leadership, and many of his recommendations were implemented. In fact, much of his work today in student success was developed through this very project.

Addresses Decision-Making in Higher Education

Effective decision-making is at the heart of executive leadership in higher education. Leaders must navigate complex organizational structures, balance competing priorities, and make decisions that align with institutional goals while addressing the needs of different stakeholders.

An EdD equips professionals with the high-level skills needed to excel in this demanding environment. Through its curriculum, an EdD blends applied research with leadership theory, EdD candidates develop the ability to analyze institutional challenges critically and make data-informed decisions.

This preparation is vital for addressing issues such as:

• Enrollment strategies
• Resource allocation
• Program development

For example, the program encourages students to apply their learning directly to real-world scenarios, fostering a deep understanding of governance structures and organizational dynamics. This practical focus helps leaders refine their decision-making abilities, ensuring they can confidently lead their institutions through periods of change and uncertainty.

Cultivates Inclusive and Transformative Leadership

In today’s higher education landscape, leaders must embody both inclusive and transformative leadership to inspire meaningful institutional change. Ethical leadership and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental components of this approach, enabling leaders to foster environments where all individuals feel valued.

An EdD program uniquely prepares graduates to embrace these principles, equipping them with the skills to lead inclusively while driving large-scale transformation. Transformative leadership goes beyond managing existing structures—it challenges leaders to rethink policies, practices, and organizational culture to create more equitable and innovative institutions.

One example of this focus is Regis College’s emphasis on open dialogue and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the EdD program. These principles are reflected not only in the coursework but also in the program’s design and delivery. By encouraging collaboration, valuing input from a range of voices, and adapting to meet the needs of its students, the program models the leadership values it instills in its graduates.

“The program is very holistic and seeks to meet student needs,” Campbell notes. “And student feedback is always taken into account." This adaptive, student-centered approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled at addressing issues of equity and inclusion but also capable of transforming their institutions into places where innovation and diversity thrive together.

Builds Executive-Level Skills

Executive leaders in higher education must excel in several soft skills to inspire teams, navigate complex situations, and effectively represent their institutions. Some of these skills include:

• Public speaking
• Negotiation
• Interpersonal communication

Therefore, an EdD program is designed to help students refine these skills through its coursework, practical projects, and collaborative learning environments.

“Students can expect to develop leadership skills because of the required courses and how those courses are developed and taught,” Campbell adds.

For instance, the program’s emphasis on real-world application ensures students are not only learning theoretical concepts but also practicing and enhancing their ability to communicate persuasively, mediate conflicts, and build strong relationships within diverse teams.

Since public speaking is a cornerstone of executive presence, it is consistently integrated into the program through presentations, discussions, and leadership exercises that simulate real-world scenarios. Negotiation and interpersonal communication are similarly developed through group projects and case studies, encouraging students to collaborate and resolve challenges effectively.

Expands Your Professional Network

An EdD program does more than provide academic knowledge. It fosters a robust professional network that supports leadership growth and career advancement. As a result, students gain access to a community of mentors, peers, and thought leaders who offer guidance, collaboration, and opportunities long after graduation.

"Whether it was during the program or after I completed it, people colleagues consistently asked, ‘I’m going for a new job. Can you serve as a reference?’" Campbell notes. The connections formed during the program become invaluable resources for navigating career transitions, exploring leadership opportunities, and building meaningful partnerships within higher education.

These relationships extend beyond the cohort to include faculty members who are deeply invested in the success of their students. “During my time as a student, I constantly felt care and concern from the faculty,” Campbell adds. “Not just for me, but for all the students and their well-being in the EdD program.”

This interconnected network of peers and mentors provides EdD graduates with a competitive edge. It opens doors to leadership opportunities, fosters collaboration on projects that address pressing institutional issues, and connects them to a broader community of professionals committed to driving positive change in higher education.

Choose the Right EdD Program for Your Career Goals

Selecting the right EdD program is a critical step in advancing your leadership career in higher education. The Regis College EdD offers pathways in both Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Leadership, standing out for their ability to combine academic rigor with real-world application.

“The creativity and flexibility of the program is very helpful, and it can be extremely helpful for your career advancement,” Campbell concludes. With its holistic design, the Regis EdD program empowers students to build essential leadership skills, foster inclusive and transformative practices, and expand professional networks that open doors to executive opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your strategic decision-making, lead meaningful institutional change, or take your career to the next level, the Regis College EdD provides the tools, mentorship, and flexibility you need to succeed. Invest in your future, and position yourself to make a lasting impact in higher education leadership.