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Earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree is a significant step for educators and leaders seeking to make a meaningful and lasting impact in their fields. At Regis College, the faculty are dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels supported and inspired throughout their doctoral journey.
With a focus on personalized mentorship and hands-on learning, Regis ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also ready to lead with confidence and purpose.
“Our goal as faculty is to help students pursue their research interests with as much passion as they can,” says Heather Maietta, a professor in Regis College’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership program. “And to get them across that finish line."
This commitment to student success sets Regis apart for professionals looking to elevate their careers and drive change in their professions. Here are five ways Regis EdD faculty actively support student success.
Regis EdD faculty are known for their extensive real-world experience, which significantly enriches the academic experience for students. Faculty members hold advanced degrees, engage in cutting-edge research, publish, and have diverse professional backgrounds in leadership, bringing real-world insights into the classroom.
This is why, for many students, the faculty’s expertise is a critical factor in choosing the program. The opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals who are actively engaged in research and leadership allows students to gain valuable perspectives that are directly applicable to their careers.
“When I was looking for a school to earn my doctorate, I did research on the faculty in the program,” Maietta adds. “And the one I ended up choosing had a couple of faculty whose research interests aligned with my own.”
This alignment fosters a learning environment where students are supported in pursuing their unique academic and professional goals. The combination of faculty expertise and mentorship helps students navigate the complexities of their doctoral studies and prepares them for leadership roles.
At Regis, personalized support is at the heart of the EdD program. Unlike larger programs where students may feel overlooked, Regis fosters close, one-on-one relationships between students and faculty. This individual attention helps students thrive both academically and personally.
“We, as faculty, are paired with students as advisors through the doctoral program,” Maietta says. “From there, mentor relationships really grow because we form such a close working relationship with the students.”
The faculty-student connection often extends beyond the classroom, creating a sense of community that supports both academic and personal development. “A lot of times we will have coffee with students or we'll connect with students outside of class,” Maietta adds. “We go to students' weddings, baptisms, and graduation parties.”
This close-knit mentorship not only enhances academic success but also prepares students for the challenges and opportunities they will face in their careers, fostering both professional growth and personal development.
Regis EdD faculty are committed to using innovative teaching methods that enhance learning and keep students engaged throughout their doctoral journey. By incorporating interactive learning strategies, faculty ensure that students not only absorb information but also apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.
One of the key innovations at Regis is the structured approach to teaching the dissertation process. Unlike other programs that may leave students to navigate their dissertation on their own, Regis provides detailed instruction on each chapter of the dissertation through a series of courses.
“Through a series of courses, we teach students how to craft their dissertation chapters. Students learn little by little how to construct and execute their research in the classroom in a supportive environment,” Maietta says.
This approach breaks down the dissertation into manageable parts, making it easier for students to understand and master each component. In addition the strong connection between faculty and students throughout the dissertation process adds another layer of crucial support for doctoral students.
“The students are learning how to write the dissertation chapters from their advisor, maintaining that connection all the way through the process,” Maietta notes.
This continuous, hands-on guidance ensures that students receive timely feedback and support, allowing them to refine their research and writing skills under the direct mentorship of their advisors.
Regis EdD faculty are dedicated to fostering a collaborative research environment where students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects alongside experienced faculty. Students at Regis are encouraged to participate in student-faculty research projects, which provide valuable hands-on experience and guidance while navigating the complexities of academic publishing.
“We partner with students on student-faculty research,” Maietta says. “And I try to publish or do research with at least one student per academic year.”
These collaborative projects give students practical experience and often result in opportunities to present at conferences or publish in academic journals. This partnership benefits both students and faculty, as it enhances students’ research skills while adding to the faculty’s research portfolio.
“We collaborate on research projects that are of interest to students because it’s a win-win,” Maietta notes. “Students receive mentorship and guidance throughout the process, while faculty act as co-authors and stay active with their own publication agendas.”
At Regis, EdD faculty are dedicated to supporting students' career advancement by helping them develop essential, strategic leadership skills. A key aspect of this support is helping students reflect on their professional identities and future goals.
“We help them fully examine who they are as professionals and what they are going to do with this experience after completing the program,” Maietta says. This process encourages students to think critically about their career paths and how they can leverage their doctoral education to achieve their aspirations.
This commitment to career advancement is evident in the success of Regis EdD graduates. According to Maietta, 100 percent of Regis students have either published, presented, or applied their dissertation work in some context. This impressive statistic underscores the effectiveness of the program in preparing students for real-world application of their research and academic work.
By focusing on career advancement, Regis EdD faculty ensure that students are not only equipped with advanced knowledge but also prepared to take on leadership roles in their respective fields.
Regis's EdD program is more than just a path to a doctoral degree; it is a journey of growth, mentorship, and professional development. With a dedicated faculty that fosters deep relationships with students, Regis offers a supportive environment where educators can thrive.
"I chose to teach at Regis for many reasons,” Maietta concludes. “But one of the big factors was the small population of students that come through the program. This allows for deep, lasting relationships with my students."
In many cases, a small, tight-knit community is highly beneficial to students who need guidance to become capable researchers and leaders in their fields. So if you're ready to advance your career and join a community dedicated to your success, consider exploring what Regis College’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership program has to offer.