Faces of NLU: Chloe Kiser

Chloe Kiser is pursuing her Ed.D. in Strategic Educational Leadership at National Louis University. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the importance of meaningful connections in academic success.

Chloe Kiser knew exactly what she wanted when she began searching for a doctoral program: the opportunity to become a full-time faculty member in educational leadership. What she discovered at National Louis University's Strategic Educational Leadership (SEDL) program was something even more valuable-the freedom to craft her own educational journey.

"I chose the SEDL program because I want to become a full-time faculty member," Chloe explains. "During the program interview, I learned from the program chair that I would be able to craft my own program based on my interests." This flexibility to combine Educational Leadership, Higher Education, and Learning Sciences courses perfectly aligned with her vision for professional growth.

What ultimately sealed the deal for Chloe wasn't just the program's academic offerings-it was the people. During her program interview, she experienced firsthand what would become a defining characteristic of her NLU journey: genuine connection and support from faculty.

"I really connected with my program chair and faculty member during the program interview," she recalls. "They were so kind, genuinely interested, and very helpful during the process. I knew, then, that this was the program for me."

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Chloe's career aspirations are ambitious yet grounded in purpose. In the immediate future, she aims to secure a full-time faculty position in leadership, with long-term goals of becoming an academic dean or provost. Her time at NLU has not only reinforced these goals but provided unexpected opportunities for growth.

One of her most significant achievements was taking on something truly unique-evaluating her own program. "I had no idea what I was going to research before I started the program," Chloe shares. "After starting it and receiving encouragement from my program chair and faculty member, I did something unique-I evaluated the program I was enrolled in and developed a plan for a technology-infused curriculum in the educational leadership program."

This innovative approach to research, fully supported by her faculty, has opened potential doors to consulting opportunities and demonstrated the kind of forward-thinking leadership NLU cultivates.

When asked about transformative experiences at NLU, Chloe finds it difficult to choose just one. "Nearly every experience has" been transformative, she notes. However, presenting at the Doctoral Symposium stands out as particularly meaningful-not just as a CV addition, but as an opportunity to engage with fellow researchers and explore how doctoral work translates into real-world impact.

The relationship between Chloe and Dr. Geri Chesner, her program chair and committee chair, exemplifies NLU's approach to education. "Dr. Geri Chesner is the perfect person to lead the SEDL program. She has supported me from day 1," Chloe reflects.

What makes this relationship particularly special is how Dr. Chesner embraced Chloe's critical evaluation of the program itself. "Having a student evaluate your program has to be humbling, and not only did she agree to take on the role as my committee chair, but she encouraged me to critique the program even more than I did. She knows that the program can only improve if those conversations happen. In this, she embodies NLU's value of excellence."

The dissertation process presented Chloe's biggest obstacle-a challenge familiar to many doctoral students. "It's a huge time commitment. You have to be all in-with the topic, the committee members, the independent work, the research, etc.," she explains. Success came through the support of her work colleagues, college friends, and family, who understood when she couldn't be fully present during this intensive period.

When asked to describe National Louis University in one word, Chloe chose "transformative." Her reasoning reveals something profound about online education: "Through coursework and program connections, I realized what online programs were all about. There's potential to create real connections online, and I've found that through NLU's SEDL program."

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Chloe's advice to prospective NLU students is simple but powerful: "Be involved. Show up, even if it's just an optional online Zoom session. Making connections is often difficult, but NLU gives us space to do that in an organic way, so take advantage."

As Chloe completes her doctoral journey, her enthusiasm for her experience shines through: "My experience at NLU has been 1,000% times better than I had even imagined. I LOVED my program. I'm looking forward to staying connected to NLU, faculty members, and peers."

Chloe's story demonstrates how the right educational environment can transform not just career prospects, but entire approaches to leadership and innovation. Through NLU's SEDL program, she found the perfect blend of academic rigor, personal support, and professional flexibility that has prepared her to become the educational leader she envisioned-and perhaps something even greater.

Are you ready to transform your leadership journey? Learn more about National Louis University's programs and discover your own path to excellence.