Celebrating Excellence: Texas Lutheran University's First Doctoral Graduates

Commencement day on the Texas Lutheran University campus, while it brings a mix of smiles and tears, is always a joyful time. The day features numerous long-held traditions-like the singing of the school song, elaborately decorated mortarboards, a visit from Bulldog mascot Tallulah, the turning of the tassels, the ringing of the Victory Bell at Alumni Plaza . . .

But this year, there was something new to celebrate at spring graduation: the first cohort of doctorate-level students in the university's history. The Chapel of the Abiding Presence, which sits at the heart of campus, hosted the traditional hooding ceremony, where master's-level students-this year joined by eight doctoral students-received hoods from their department chairs.

The cohort of doctoral students completed a three-year program and defended their dissertations successfully to earn their EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership.

"These scholars exemplify TLU's commitment to developing leaders who think critically across boundaries, engage in scholarly practice, and pursue transformation for social justice," said Dr. Luigi Peñaranda, EdD program director and associate professor of leadership studies.

The EdD program at TLU is unique in that while it is mostly delivered online, it also features in-person residencies, which help to foster the sense of close community that TLU is known for. Students customize their path to their doctorate by selecting one of two concentrations: Organizational Leadership or Educational Leadership.

"The creation of our EdD program is significant for TLU in so many ways," said TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. "As our first doctoral program, it marks a major step in our graduate offerings. And as a program focused on leadership, it aligns perfectly with our mission. To now see our first cohort-so many of them TLU colleagues and alums-complete the program and attain their degree is both historic and significant. We are so proud of this program and of each of these graduates!"

To learn more about the EdD program at TLU, click here: https://www.tlu.edu/programs/ed-d-in-interdisciplinary-leadership.