“The culture at SMU is inclusive and inviting. You knew people cared about you from the moment you got here.”

– Dr. Rachael Capua, Ed.D. Alumna

  • EdD Headshot of Freddie Diaz

    Federico Diaz

    Instructional Support Coordinator, Dallas College
    M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas at Arlington
    B.S. Chemistry, B.S. Mathematical Education, University of Puerto Rico

    "The program has allowed me to develop my leadership skills to be an agent of change and navigate the challenges that higher education presents. The program has helped me create connections that have allowed me to broaden my vision and visualize opportunities for growth in every situation."

  • EdD Headshot of Christie Pearson

    Christie Pearson

    Director of Education Abroad, Southern Methodist University
    M.L.S. Organizational Dynamics and Global Studies, Southern Methodist University
    B.A. International Studies, French, and Political Science, Southern Methodist University

    "I have a genuine passion for international education. Some of my proudest moments and greatest accomplishmeants come from studying abroad and working in higher education. I know this Ed.D. program will not only open doors to more leadership opportunities, but also provide an academic-based approach to management, organizational improvement and achievements, in addition to providing an understanding of higher education’s history and theory so that we can build a better future."

  • EdD Headshot of Sara Cucinotti

    Sara Cucinotti

    Assistant Director for Development Research, Southern Methodist University
    M.L.S. Organizational Dynamics, Southern Methodist University
    B.A. Political Science, Southern Methodist University

    "My area of focus looks at the intersection of development, student life, and academics. Through the Ed.D. program, I am able to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, with unique backgrounds and experiences in higher education, in order to gain a more holistic understanding of the challenges impacting students and institutions."

  • EdD Headshot of Clayton Ellis

    Clayton Ellis

    Director of Development for Dedman College, Southern Methodist University
    M.L.S. Organizational Dynamics and Humanities, Southern Methodist University
    B.A. Theatre Performance, Baylor University

    "I think the Ed.D. is the MBA for aspiring administrators. By equipping myself with such a degree, I believe I will be a better asset to my institution as well as the general field. In addition to the systematic applications that the Ed.D. teaches, it prepares candidates to be empathetic leaders and earn the trust of others through its comprehensive curriculum and shared experiences of the cohort."

  • EdD Headshot of Alicia Garza

    Alicia Garza

    Lecturer & Translator, University of Texas at Arlington
    M.A. Modern Languages, University of Texas at Arlington
    M.A. Spanish Translation & Interpretation, University of Texas at Brownsville

    "I am pursuing an Ed.D because I am passionate about serving marginalized communities through teaching and research. My area of focus examines the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender and Latinx identities to identify barriers and drivers to accessing professional and academic opportunities. I am interested in understanding how Spanish translation and interpretation tools can be utilized to increase equity and inclusion in higher education and exploring ideas for cross-cultural connections among students."

  • EdD Headshot of Kevin Gunter

    Kevin Gunter

    Senior Lecturer, Class Piano Coordinator, Southern Methodist University
    M.M. Piano Performance and Pedagogy - Southern Methodist University
    B.M. Piano Performance - Samford University

    "In considering terminal degrees, I knew that pursuing an Ed.D. would allow me to continue to stand out in my field while opening up doors for career advancement. In researching schools, I was intrigued and impressed by the SMU program's cohort model and noted professors. I know this unique collaborative experience will provide me with the knowledge, strategies, and skills to tackle future challenges and confidently blaze my own path in higher education."

  • EdD Headshot of Julie Maas

    Julie Maas

    Assistant Dean, Graduate Student Enrollment and Engagement, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
    M.Ed. Higher Education, Southern Methodist University
    B.S. Computing Science, Sam Houston State University

    "My passion for education and love of my work has motivated me to pursue a doctorate of education degree. The Ed.D. will allow me to raise my level of expertise and continue my growth as a leader in development of policies, programs, and procedures to best serve students and the Cox School."

  • EdD Headshot of Sean Murphy

    Sean Murphy

    Associate Director of Student Center & Activities, Southern Methodist University
    M.S. Leadership, Northeastern University
    B.B.A., Texas A&M University

    "It is my goal to be able to positively impact students on a regular basis. I believe that through my Ed.D. studies, I will enhance my perspective on what that means and how to do it, and eventually I aim to influence policy in order to directly contribute to student success."

  • EdD Headshot of Asmara Hussain Saleemi

    Asmara Hussain Saleemi

    Professor of Government, Dallas College
    M.A. Political Science, University of North Texas
    B.A. Political Science and International Studies, Southern Methodist University

    "I strongly believe an individual should lead through service, and it is important for me to pursue a career and degree that align with this value. Teaching in higher education allows me to serve and have a positive impact on the North Texas community. With a doctorate in higher education, I can pursue leaderships roles that will help societies solve problems and meet the demands of a rapidly changing and highly connected world.”

  • EdD Headshot of Deva Arumugam

    Deva Arumugam

    Professor of English, El Centro College
    M.A. English Linguistics, University of North Texas
    B.A. English, University of North Texas
    B.A. Teaching and English, University of Malaya

    "I have been in higher education for 27 years in various different capacity, i.e. in instruction, administration, and teacher training. I am passionate about teaching and learning. The SMU Higher Education degree will give me the opportunity to understand how institutions of higher education are transforming in the 21st century. This SMU program will help me to be a part of the current AI innovations and conversations in higher education. "

  • EdD Headshot of Dorie Beitchman

    Dorie Beitchman

    Senior Academic Advisor, Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University
    M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy, The University of Texas at Austin
    B.A. History, The University of Texas at Austin

    "Building relationships with my students and colleagues is the greatest joy of my higher education career. I'm especially drawn to the Ed.D. program as a means to serve others. Having the opportunity to learn from a cohort with diverse backgrounds, jobs, and viewpoints will provide me with valuable context as a higher education leader. Ultimately, I aspire to create life-changing collegiate experiences for all students."

  • EdD Headshot of Molly Brooks

    Molly Brooks

    Residential Community Director of Armstrong Commons at SMU
    M.Ed in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel, Kent State University
    B.S. in Psychology and Child Learning and Development, University of Texas at Dallas

    "I fell in love with the field of higher education very quickly into my time in undergrad. I am passionate about helping students transition from high school to college in the best way for them and helping students feel confident in solving their own problems. I am excited to learn from my professors and classmates throughout this program."

  • EdD Headshot of Monique Christian-Long

    Monique Christian-Long

    Assistant Director of Administrative Services & Diversity Officer, Southern Methodist University Libraries
    M.L.S. Archives & Records Management, North Carolina Central University
    B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies: Nonprofit & Public Administration, University of Toledo

    "Over the last 10 years I have served in different capacities within the field of librarianship. During this tenure, I have focused on implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI). I am interested in organizational development as it pertains to DEI in academic libraries. Particularly, I aim to study recruitment and retention practices. Therefore, I am pursuing an Ed.D. in higher education to explore how DEI in academic libraries support the overall success of the university and organizational effectiveness. I am excited to learn from the diverse group of professionals in my cohort and ready to share my expertise as well."

  • EdD Headshot of Ryan Cole

    Ryan Cole

    Assistant Dean for Recruitment & Admission, SMU Meadows School of the Arts
    M.Ed. Higher Education Policy and Leadership, Southern Methodist University
    B.M. Music Education, Southern Methodist University

    "There is something magical about being a part of a student's journey toward building a successful future. It's what makes my participation in higher education worthwhile. Through the Ed.D. program at SMU, I will have the opportunity to apply research to my practice. The better informed I am as an admission professional to prioritize students when considering access, equity, and institutional goals, the brighter everyone's future becomes."

  • EdD Headshot of Claudia Hart

    Claudia Hart

    Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Director of International Office
    M.A. in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, Southern Methodist University
    B.A. Humanities, Southern Methodist University

    "I am passionate about being a role model for high school graduates who face challenges accessing higher education. As a first-generation graduate and former international student, pursuing my doctorate in Higher Education is another step toward advancing my career goals and being an example for Latinos, women, and international students. I want students to know we can achieve anything with passion, hard work, discipline, and perseverance. I want to be the voice for those who don't have the platform to be heard and be a reason for significant change in higher education for underrepresented communities."

  • EdD Headshot of Elena Hicks

    Elena Hicks

    Assistant Vice Provost and Dean of Admission, Southern Methodist University
    Master of Liberal Arts, Texas Christian University
    Bachelor of Arts, French and Speech Communication

    "'Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.' This quote by Maya Angelou epitomizes the way I live my life. It applies to so much, but for me the knowing is my goal in life. As I know more, I do more and I'm better for it. My doctorate is a key launching pad in this endeavor.”

  • EdD Headshot of Peter Kenn

    Peter Kenn

    Director of Olympic Sports Performance, Southern Methodist University
    M.Ed. Higher Education, Iowa State University
    M.S. Exercise Science, Appalachian State University B.S. Exercise Science, Appalachian State University

    "My goal is to provide continued support to the student-athletes I work with in all aspects of the higher education system. Continuing my education within this program will allow me to effectively communicate with administration and understand the outside barriers we must overcome to be successful in producing student-leaders.”

  • EdD Headshot of Ellicia Money

    Ellicia Money

    Assistant Director of Athletic Mental Health, Southern Methodist University
    M.S. Counseling and Development, Texas Woman's University
    B.S. Psychology, Langston University

    "Higher education has been an important component of my professional journey, and through this program I hope to gain knowledge and additional expertise to provide an avenue for the next generation. ”

  • EdD Headshot of Lauren Searway

    Lauren Searway

    Assistant Director of Employer Relations at the Hegi Family Career Development Center, Southern Methodist University
    M.Ed. Higher Education Leadership & Policy, Southern Methodist University
    B.B.A. Management, Texas State University

    "The transformative power of education is important to me, and I want to contribute to the improvement of higher education in America. This Ed.D. program will not only allow me to grow personally in my field but also to expand on existing research with the hope of improving the college experience for future generations."

  • EdD Headshot of Jessica Wickersham

    Jessica Wickersham

    Lecturer, Southern Methodist University
    M.S. Statistics, Texas A&M University
    B.S. Education, John Brown University

    "As a statistics educator I teach students to recognize quality data and learn from the stories it tells. Unfortunately, whether due to messages from our society, their families, or former teachers, many approach math with a fixed mindset. My objective is to help them identify and break down the barriers that exist between them and their goals. Regardless of their background, each learner has innate worth as a human with unique and valuable experiences, ideas, and contributions to the world. As such, I am continually adapting my teaching methods to a universally accessible design, in a setting that explicitly welcomes each scholar. Further exploring these concepts within their sociopolitical and institutional contexts through the Ed.D. coursework will enhance my ability to enact lasting change in a larger arena."

  • EdD Headshot of Gabriella Zuniga-Jairala

    Gabriella Zuniga-Jairala

    Managing Director, Workforce Development Centers, Dallas College
    M.B.A, University of Essex
    B.S. Psychology, B.S. International Affairs, Florida State University

    "My journey has been tiled with academic, professional, and personal experiences that have steered me to pursue an Ed.D. in Higher Education today. I seek to prepare myself for better seats at the table to continue researching and advocating for the changes and challenges students will continue to face in higher education. Obtaining this degree from SMU will take me to the next level by further equipping me with the knowledge and resources I need to help solve problems and bridge organizational gaps, ultimately leading to improved student success.