Cohort Information

Announcing the COE's Inaugural EdD Cohort in Leadership, Learning, and Educational Change

We are thrilled to announce the first cohort of our brand-new Doctor of Education (EdD) program in Leadership, Learning, and Educational Change. The program attracted an outstanding pool of applicants from across the educational spectrum, reflecting our region’s rich diversity of professional experience. After a rigorous and competitive selection process, we are proud to welcome 17 dedicated educators who are ready to embark on a journey to transform our schools, colleges, and universities. Nine members of the cohort work in K-12 schools and eight work in higher education.

Through a focus on leadership development, organizational innovation, and systemic change, the EdD in Leadership, Learning, and Educational Change is poised to empower each of them to make a lasting impact on their institutions and the broader educational community. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and witnessing the transformative influence they will have on the field!

Gates Breedlove-Koepke Missouri State University 
Teresa Frederick Missouri State University 
Michelle Gavel Springfield Public Schools 
Cory Glenn Nixa Public Schools
Jennifer Grace-Duran Greenwood Laboratory School 
Alexandra Graham Missouri State University, West Plains
Kyle Hulsebus  Clever R-V School District
Vonetta Ivy-Medlock Missouri State University 
Anitera Jackson Springfield Public Schools 
Lauren Jones Missouri State University 
Bailey Lape Ozarks Technical Community College
Katherine McCarville Springfield Public Schools 
Lexi Messenger Reeds Spring R-IV School District
Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi Missouri State University 
Quinn Peterson Missouri State University 
Melissa Roberts Logan Rogersville-School District
Whitney Russell-Ice Springfield Public Schools 

2025 EdD Program Orientation

Friday, July 25th

6:00-8:00 p.m. 

Location: TBA


2025 EdD Cohort Social

Friday, August 15th

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: TBA