The landscape of higher education is rapidly evolving, with institutions facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Today’s leaders are more than administrators—they are visionary change-makers shaping the future of learning and driving initiatives that improve educational quality.
For professionals working in education who are considering a leadership role at a college or university, preparing with the right education is essential. Here’s a closer look at the importance of leadership in higher education and what you can do to effectively prepare for this dynamic field.
Key Takeaways
- Regis College’s EdD program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to navigate complex academic environments, focusing on leadership theory, policy development, and organizational management.
- The EdD program emphasizes practical learning, allowing students to apply what they learn to real-world problems and prepare for leadership roles that require data-driven decision-making and strategic problem-solving.
- Regis College provides comprehensive support through expert faculty with real-world experience, a career development course that focuses on professional growth, and a 98 percent success rate in preparing students for the dissertation phase.
- The program's robust alumni community provides ongoing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement, ensuring graduates continue to benefit from their EdD experience long after completing the program.
The Importance of Leadership in Higher Education
Leadership in higher education is essential for navigating the complexities of today's academic landscape. Institutions face challenges such as evolving student needs, rising competition, and rapidly advancing technologies—making strong, forward-thinking leadership critical to high-quality education.
Earning an EdD offers a structured path to developing these essential leadership skills, blending theory with practical application. As Lauren Bent, Associate Professor of EdD in Higher Education Leadership at Regis College, explains, “The EdD is designed for someone aiming to develop their leadership skills in higher education. These ‘pracademics’ use evidence-based, cutting-edge research to inform their practices as leaders in higher education.”
This degree empowers educators with the knowledge needed to make data-driven decisions, implement strategic initiatives, and tackle the most pressing issues in the field. Moreover, the EdD program emphasizes a hands-on approach to leadership, preparing graduates to lead with confidence, drive change, and contribute meaningfully to their institutions.
As the demand for skilled leaders in higher education continues to grow, choosing the right program to develop these essential skills is crucial. Regis College’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership program stands out as an ideal choice for aspiring leaders, offering a curriculum specifically designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that come with educational leadership.
Why Choose Regis College’s EdD Program to Develop Leadership Skills?
Leadership-Focused Curriculum
Regis College’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership program is designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to become effective leaders. Central to the program is its leadership-focused curriculum, which goes beyond traditional coursework by focusing on real-world application. The curriculum encourages students to analyze leadership theories and practices in the context of higher education, providing them with the insights needed to navigate complex organizational environments.
“Our courses are very pragmatic, and we teach to the adult learner,” Bent adds. “So they build upon their professional experiences, apply new knowledge, and consistently reflect on their learning and leading.”
This practical approach encourages students to bring their own professional experiences into the classroom, enriching discussions and allowing them to connect theory to their daily work. Through this curriculum, participants develop the skills necessary to lead with confidence, tackle current challenges in higher education, and drive meaningful change.
Holistic Coursework
Regis’s EdD program features a holistic curriculum that equips students with skills to excel in multiple dimensions of higher education leadership. It integrates core areas like:
- Policy development
- Strategic planning
- Communication
The curriculum goes beyond conventional learning, combining rigorous academic theory with practical tools, ensuring graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ready to implement solutions effectively.
"Understanding higher education as a system and the interaction of subsystems is crucial,” Bent says. “Our program emphasizes not just theory but the tools that are needed to be an effective leader in higher education. This includes policy development, problem-solving, executive communication, and strategic planning, which prepare students to adapt quickly to changes and advocate for data-driven solutions that benefit all stakeholders, particularly our students."
This comprehensive approach fosters not only strong leadership skills but also a mindset of lifelong learning. By engaging with contemporary issues, students are equipped to navigate complex educational landscapes and advocate for strategies that enhance institutional outcomes.
Emphasis on Organizational Management
Organizational management is a key focus of Regis’s EdD program, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate and lead complex educational institutions. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the dynamics of organizational structures, strategic decision-making, and change management to prepare graduates to address pressing institutional trends and challenges.
“In a course I teach,” Bent says. “We apply various concepts learned to real-world problems. This involves framing the problem correctly, solving it, and evaluating the approach used.”
This practical approach ensures that students don’t just learn about organizational theories but also develop the skills to apply these theories in realistic scenarios, making data-driven decisions and crafting strategic responses to the myriad challenges facing higher education.
The program’s emphasis on organizational management also encourages students to explore different leadership strategies, assess their effectiveness, and refine their approaches to problem-solving. As a result, this comprehensive focus on organizational management can prepare graduates to lead with confidence in diverse educational settings.
How Regis College Supports Your Higher Education Leadership Journey
Regis College is dedicated to empowering students on their path to becoming influential leaders in higher education by offering a strong support system that goes beyond rigorous academics.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
The program’s expert faculty, who bring a wealth of real-world experience, play a critical role in this support. These professors have held various leadership roles in higher education, which can help them guide students through the complexities of the field through insights that extend beyond traditional coursework.
In addition to professors’ expertise, their mentorship is also a vital component of the Regis College experience. The faculty's commitment to mentorship throughout the dissertation phase is even evident in the program’s outcomes.
"Our success rate is very high,” Bent adds. “Ninety-eight percent of our students graduate from the program, and they are well-prepared to lead.”
Career Development and Alumni Network
In addition to academic support, Regis College prioritizes career development, ensuring that students are prepared to take the next step in their professional journey. A notable feature of the program is the career development aspects of its courses, which provide practical guidance on career planning, professional branding, and job search strategies.
“We have a career development course where students focus on professional discernment, building and leveraging their networks, editing their resumes,” Bent adds.
By refining their professional profiles and expanding their networks, students are well-positioned to leverage their qualifications for leadership roles in higher education.
The strength of Regis College’s alumni network further enhances the support system, providing graduates with a lifelong community of accomplished professionals. Alumni remain connected through shared experiences and a commitment to continuous learning, offering valuable resources such as career advice, job opportunities, and insights into the evolving landscape of higher education.
Together, these elements create a comprehensive support structure that not only builds leadership capabilities but also supports long-term career success.
Take the Next Step Toward Higher Education Leadership at Regis
Regis College’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership program is the right choice for aspiring leaders who are committed to making a difference in the academic world. The program’s comprehensive curriculum is specifically designed to equip students with the skills needed to navigate and lead in today's complex educational landscape.
With expert faculty who bring valuable real-world experience, career development resources that help refine professional goals, and a strong alumni network that provides ongoing support and opportunities, Regis College offers a holistic approach to leadership development.
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