Ted Gervan
Vancouver cohort, 2006
Ted Gervan states that the "The Educational Leadership Doctorate program provides graduates with the confidence, skills, and knowledge necessary to be effective leaders in higher education." Perhaps this is no better exemplified by Ted's own experiences in the program.
When he first enrolled in the Vancouver Post Secondary cohort in 2006, Ted was the Director of Graphic and Web Design Programs at the Art Institute in Vancouver where he mainly advised students to ensure that they completed their studies. A year into the program Ted was promoted to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the same institute, in a role where he has more institutional oversight and definitely needed more tools to provide leadership for students, faculty and staff.
For Ted, therefore the program became a repository of ideas and frameworks he could utilize in his job. He states that, "the program introduces a number of theoretical constructs, and research techniques, providing the student with the necessary academic foundation to competently engage in complex educational matters, enhance organizational effectiveness, and academic quality." Though he still has not completed the program, Ted's confidence as a Senior Administrator has been enhanced while in the program.
Like many EdD students, Ted sees the cohort model used in the program as being one of its real strengths. He found this to be a very enriching experience where he was able to learn and grow alongside peers who were also grappling with similar challenges in their practice as he was.
According to Ted, "Most memorable to me are the people - the faculty, staff and my peers with whom I had the great pleasure to study with and who enriched my experience beyond my expectations."
Without hesitation, Ted recommends the EdD program to all those who seek to improve their practice in Educational Institutions.