WKU News

How did earning the WKU EdD affect your career path? 

My career in public education has been dedicated to hardwiring a process for preparing all students for a quality life. The experiences I was blessed with at WKU, specifically in the EdD program, expedited my leadership maturity. Earning my EdD broadened the scope of my influence to impact more students and communities. 

What one skill or piece of knowledge that you learned in your EdD program has been most valuable to you? Why?

The most valuable lesson I learned was discovering who I am as a leader and understanding how others perceive me. The program does an excellent job at designing learning tasks for personal growth. The late Dr. Randy Capps was excellent at facilitating this concept and I use his methods today with my leadership team. However, my greatest learning was from my cohort members who came from diverse backgrounds and occupations. They identified areas where I could improve and helped me refine my strengths. Their insights have made me a better leader, father, husband, and person. I'm grateful for both my classmates and professors, who challenged me in ways that have had a lasting impact on my personal and professional life.

What advice would you give someone who is considering pursuing their EdD?

First, realize you must be genuine with your commitment to growth and helping others do the same. You need to be secure as a person because you will be challenged in your personal growth journey. I would strongly recommend to humble yourself and engage in productive struggle. This is not a compliance item for your resume and it is not solely about you. 

Also, be connected to your “why” for pursuing this terminal degree. For me, my professional “why” was about serving students, educators and my community. My personal “why” was finishing my student experience for my dad, Jeff Martin, who instilled a love for public education, and my late grandmother, Dorthy Martin, who helped raise me in Beaver Dam, KY. Understanding my “why” lifted me when the workload became difficult. Persevering to complete my EdD honored the sacrifices they made for me throughout my life. 

Do you see that there is an existing need for more people in your field to have an EdD?

Absolutely. Building leadership capacity in any organization directly benefits all stakeholders. To me, earning an EdD is not about the title but about the leadership endorsement it represents. The level of commitment required is a clear demonstration of dedication to the profession. Having more educators, both teachers and administrators, who have gone through this journey will only enhance the quality of education our students receive.

Can you think of a specific opportunity that would not have been available to you if you did not complete your EdD?

Completing my EdD at WKU has opened several leadership opportunities and facilitated conversations that may not have been possible otherwise. Being part of a distinguished alumni network has granted me access to opportunities I wouldn’t have had without this credential. Since graduating in 2019, I’ve seen doors open both in terms of leadership roles and professional collaborations.

What made you choose the WKU EdD over other options available?

WKU has long been a leader in producing high-quality educators, both in Kentucky and across the nation. All of my previous degrees were from WKU, so my deep connection to the university naturally influenced my decision to continue my educational journey there. I have a genuine love for WKU and the Bowling Green community. Choosing WKU felt like coming home, and I am proud to be an alumnus.