SFU Ed.D in Organizational Leadership and Innovation

05/18/2026

Our next webinar is coming up this Thursday!

Ask the Director: Q&A with the Program Head
Thursday, May 21st | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (virtual)

Have questions about the Executive Ed.D. program? This is your opportunity to connect directly with the Program Director and learn more about the student experience, dissertation journey, residencies, and what makes the program unique.

Whether you are exploring doctoral education or preparing to apply, we invite you to join the conversation and get your questions answered live.

Registration is still open!

05/13/2026

Saint Francis University's Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation is a strategic and transformative 32-month program with  an interdisciplinary focus on leadership. This Ed.D. path is designed for individuals who seek to be intellectually challenged and to prepare...

05/11/2026

🎓 Celebrating the Aggiornamento Cohort! 🎓

We are proud to announce that the Aggiornamento Cohort of Saint Francis University’s Executive Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program has achieved a remarkable milestone: a 100% successful dissertation defense completion rate!

This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, perseverance, and scholarly excellence of each cohort member. Their commitment to research, leadership, and meaningful change has culminated in this significant achievement, and we look forward to celebrating their graduation this past Saturday.

To our graduates: congratulations on completing this transformational doctoral journey. As you begin the next chapter of your leadership and service, know that Saint Francis University will always be your home.

In the spirit of Saint Francis, may you continue to lead with wisdom, humility, and a heart for serving others

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Sarah E. Ge**er on the successful defense of her dissertation!

Dissertation Title: Colliding Truths, Shared Growth: A Case Study of Mentoring, Reverse Mentoring, and Institutional Readiness Across Generations

Date: May 4, 2026

Dissertation Committee: Dr. Aspen Mock (Chair), Dr. Kent Tonkin, and Dr. Tamara Willis

This qualitative case study explores how generational identity and institutional culture shape mentoring and reverse mentoring relationships in higher education. Drawing on interviews, questionnaires, and participant-generated visual reflections, the study centers the experiences of Generation Z students alongside faculty and staff from earlier generations.

Findings highlight that mentoring is most impactful when it is relational, reciprocal, and identity-affirming, rather than hierarchical or transactional. The research underscores the importance of institutional readiness, psychological safety, and cross-generational understanding in fostering meaningful developmental relationships that support student belonging, growth, and success.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah on reaching this significant milestone in her doctoral journey.

05/04/2026

We are just days away from celebrating the incredible Aggiornamento Cohort as they cross the stage at commencement! 🎓✨

Join us in honoring their hard work, resilience, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities. This milestone represents not just the end of a journey—but the beginning of what’s next. -- Congratulations, Aggiornamento Cohort—we are so proud of you!

Five days until Commencement Weekend at Saint Francis University 🎓

Class of 2026, your big moment is almost here. Family and friends, get ready to celebrate.

Be sure to review schedules, livestream info, and everything you need for the big day.

👉 View full commencement information: https://www.francis.edu/campus-life/commencement

04/24/2026

At Saint Francis University, the Ed.D. Program in Organizational Leadership and Innovation continues to demonstrate the power of purpose-driven education in action. What stands out most is not only the academic rigor, but the real-world impact being created through service, leadership development, and a strong commitment to legacy.

This program is shaping leaders who understand that innovation is not just about ideas—it’s about people, ethics, and meaningful contribution. The work being done reflects a deep commitment to service and a lasting legacy that extends well beyond the classroom.

Grateful to be part of a community where leadership is lived, not just taught.

04/16/2026

Join us for our next webinar!

Ask the Director: Q&A with the Program Head
May 21st | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (virtual)

Have questions about the Executive Ed.D. program? This is your opportunity to hear directly from the Program Director. Whether you are exploring the program, considering applying, or just want to learn more about what to expect, this session is designed to give you clear, honest answers.

Bring your questions and join the conversation.

Registration is now open!

04/13/2026

Missed our webinar Dissertation Research & Cross-Disciplinary Inquiry?

No problem, the recording is now available.

This session explores how dissertation research can extend beyond a single discipline and connect to real-world challenges in meaningful ways. If you are starting to think about your topic or refining your direction, this is a great place to start.

Watch the full recording here!

Stay tuned for more upcoming webinars in our series.

04/09/2026

Still time to join us tonight!

Our webinar, Dissertation Research & Cross-Disciplinary Inquiry, takes place April 9th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and there is still time to register.

This session will explore how to approach dissertation research with a broader, cross-disciplinary lens and apply it to real-world challenges.

If you have been thinking about your dissertation topic or want to see how different fields can connect in meaningful ways, this is a great opportunity to jump in.

Register now and join us tonight!

https://www.francis.edu/blog/edd-prospective-student-webinar-series-fall-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawREp4ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIaHJrU0tFNlRNMzkwcTI3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgiEnb5A7FtPfa9zcbiH2HEOdANcCHmgdBg8fYNWUxUduAlhVaTA2oHNfaJk_aem_hGP9rUdwlGzGc7UQtN4k9A

Considering joining the Fall 2026 Executive Ed.D. cohort? This prospective student webinar series can answer all of your questions.

03/18/2026

Please join us in congratulating Susan Bosnick-Sinift on the successful defense of her dissertation entitled:
“Is Mutual Obligation and Respect Relevant in High-Quality Relationships? Exploring Psychological Safety and Trust as Key Elements of the LMX Theory High-Quality Relationship.”

Defense Date: Friday, March 13, 2026

Dissertation Committee: Dr. Patrick Crawford (Chair), Dr. Leah Spangler, and Dr. Thomas Butler

Susan's research offers meaningful contributions to the field of Organizational Leadership and Innovation, examining the critical roles of trust, appraisal respect, felt obligation, and psychological safety in shaping high-quality leader–follower relationships. Her findings highlight the powerful influence of trust and psychological safety in fostering effective, high-quality workplace relationships.

Please join us in celebrating this significant milestone! Congratulations, Susan —we are proud of your achievement!