CSUSB Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

04/24/2026

Congratulations Yvonne Molles-Cohort 18 and Brianna Deadman-Cohort 19!
Selected as the 2nd annual recipients of the Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship for Ed.D. Students


It is with immense pride and joy that we extend our warmest congratulations to both Yvonne Molles-Cohort 18 and Brianna Deadman-Cohort 19 on being selected as the 2nd annual recipients of the Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship for Ed.D. Students.
As you well know, pursuing a Doctorate in Education is both a courageous and transformative journey—one that demands deep commitment, perseverance, and a vision for social impact. While there are some financial aid options available—such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships—they are often more limited than we would wish for those aspiring to this degree path. A common and heartfelt question we receive during every Ed.D. information session is, “Are there grants and doctoral scholarships in education that may help me cover the expenses of my doctoral program?”
Last year this time, I was thrilled to share that this question had a powerful new answer—yes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Concepción “Co**ha” Rivera, our 2019 Honorary Chair / Madrina de Honor for LEAD (Latino Education & Advocacy Days), and with a matching contribution from the Philanthropic Foundation, we were proud to establish the Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship for Ed.D. students—the first named fellowship in our Ed.D. program.
This fellowship is more than financial support. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy and their unwavering belief in the power of education to uplift communities deeply informs the mission of our own program.
The establishment of this fellowship was also a testament to the strength of our community. We want to recognize former-VP Robert Nava, a LEAD Padrino de Honor, for being the instrumental force of “good” that brought this vision to fruition. Special thanks also to Jennifer Winburn, SSP IV – Scholarship Lead, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and Doctoral Candidate-Cohort 18, whose guidance and collaboration was also instrumental in bringing this fellowship to life.
Dr. Tomás Rivera (December 22, 1935 – May 16, 1984) was a trailblazing Mexican American author, poet, and educator whose life story exemplifies the transformative power of education. Born in Texas to migrant farm workers, Rivera spent his youth laboring in the fields—a formative experience that would shape both his literary voice and his commitment to educational equity. Defying the barriers before him, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
Rivera is best known for his 1971 stream-of-consciousness novella ...y no se lo tragó la tierra—translated into English as This Migrant Earth and ...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him. The work, which captured the struggles and resilience of migrant workers, earned the inaugural Premio Quinto Sol award and remains a seminal text in Chicano literature.
His career as an educator was equally distinguished. Rivera taught at high schools across the Southwest before joining the faculties of Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1979, he became the first Mexican-American chancellor in the University of California system when he was appointed to lead UC Riverside, a position he held until his untimely death in 1984. A short video honoring his life and legacy, Deeply Rooted, can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/po1rEo9lWfo [youtu.be]
Concepción “Co**ha” Rivera, an accomplished cultural leader and community advocate, served as the 2019 Honorary Chair / Madrina de Honor for LEAD (Latino Education & Advocacy Days). LEAD convenes educators, artists, researchers, policy experts, students, and community members who are united by a shared commitment to advancing Latino education and leadership.
A recognized force in the Inland Empire, Co**ha Rivera was named 2019 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside). She is the widow of Dr. Tomás Rivera, and she has continued his legacy through decades of civic service.
She notably served as the acting director of the California Museum of Photography, where she oversaw its relocation to downtown Riverside and later worked for 12 years as director of development. Her leadership extended across numerous organizations, including the Riverside Art Museum, the Riverside Community Foundation, and as the founder of the Tomás Rivera Conference and Primavera in the Gardens at UCR. A Mexican immigrant who came to the United States at age 20, Rivera holds degrees in interior design as well as associate degrees in business and fundraising from Loyola University.
The Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship honors their lifelong dedication to education and equity. This fellowship aligns with the mission of CSUSB’s Ed.D. program, which is grounded in values of equity, ethics, and social justice—principles deeply reflected in Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera’s own vision of transforming education for future generations.
Through the generous support of Co**ha Rivera and a matching gift from the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation, the fellowship provides a $2,000 scholarship annually for the next five years to support Ed.D. students on their path to becoming impactful educational leaders in the Inland Empire and beyond.
Yvonne and Brianna, your selection as the 2nd annual fellows is a reflection of your excellence, your commitment to equity and social justice, and your potential to lead transformational change in education throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. You now carry the torch of a powerful legacy—one that is deeply rooted in resilience, service, and the transformative promise of education.
We are incredibly proud of you both, and we cannot wait to see where this journey takes you.
With admiration and heartfelt congratulations,
Your Doctoral Team,

https://www.csusb.edu/doctorate-educational-leadership

Apply to Ed.D. Program Ed.D. Program Makes a Positive Impact to CSUSB's Standing and Reputation for Academic ExcellenceU.S. News & World Report has listed the university at No. 86 in the nation in the Best Education Schools category of its Best Graduate Schools for 2024. It is the first time the u...

12/18/2025

A record-breaking moment for 🎓✨

A 333% increase in on-time completion for the Doctorate in Educational Leadership proves what’s possible when equity, support, and intentional design lead the way. From reimagined advising and curriculum updates to expanded faculty engagement and community partnerships, this milestone reflects years of work.

Read more: https://bit.ly/48YEbt9

11/13/2025

https://youtu.be/CK6l8GTEurA

This video features Dr. Enrique G. Murillo Jr., a professor at California State University, San Bernardino, as part of a series highlighting distinguished fa...

05/13/2025

https://youtu.be/5l49mfolxdw?list=PL5C39I8tk-4EmocQUssC1k3XUjEffFXEE [youtu.be]

This last week of instruction marks a moment of deep significance for Cohort 16 of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership program. As we gather for our Farewells, we do so not only to celebrate academic achievement, but to honor the profound personal and collective journey that brought us to this moment.
The *cohort experience has shaped us into more than scholars—it has formed us into a community. Over the past years, we have shared long nights of study, challenging conversations, transformative ideas, and moments of growth that have tested and strengthened our purpose as educational leaders. The bonds we've formed here go beyond the classroom. They are the ties of mutual encouragement, shared sacrifice, and deep understanding.
Music, like leadership, speaks to the heart. It invites us to reflect, connect, and express what words alone cannot capture. This presentation is our way of saying farewell—with gratitude, pride, and joy. Through song and performance, we pay tribute to the people and experiences that have defined our time in this program: the professors who guided us, the families who supported us, and the peers who stood beside us.
We sing not just to celebrate an ending, but to embrace a beginning. As we step forward into the next chapter of our lives—whether as principals, superintendents, community organizers, or advocates—we do so grounded in the knowledge that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. We carry with us not just a degree, but a calling.
As we close this chapter, may we carry forward the spirit of this cohort:
Resilient. Reflective. Revolutionary.
Let this week ring with gratitude, laughter, music, and hope.
Let it echo with purpose.
Let it be a joyful expression of all that we are—and all that we are yet to become.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
Cohort 16 of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership program, CSUSB

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

05/13/2025

The Cabinet of the James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education names
Marvin Espinoza - Cohort 16 - as Outstanding Doctoral Student
The college’s commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 17th, at 6 p.m.

Marvin Espinoza (doctorate in educational leadership - Cohort 16) serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Girls Club of Los Angeles, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community development and empowerment in South Los Angeles. In this role, Dr. Espinoza ensures strategic alignment between organizational mission and operational ex*****on, driving significant community impact through innovative programs and initiatives.
Espinoza possesses extensive academic credentials, and will be graduating with a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Community College from our Program, a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Child Development from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He also holds an Associate degree from Los Angeles Southwest College.
For nearly two decades, Marvin has been an adjunct faculty member in the Kinesiology Department at East Los Angeles College, enhancing educational experiences for students through both in-person and online modalities. His scholarly work includes co-authoring the influential chapter "Revolutionizing CTE: AI-Driven Andragogical Practices for Social Justice in Urban Education," published in Integrating AI Into Pedagogical and Andragogical Education (2024).
His dedication to education, innovation, and community advocacy has been recognized with numerous awards from esteemed entities including the County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, California Assembly, California Senate, and multiple Congressional districts.
His dissertation is titled, Legacy of Learning: The Journey of Males of Color and the Sustaining Power of Community Cultural Wealth. Maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.9 as a doctoral scholar, Marvin consistently exhibits academic excellence and intellectual rigor. Beyond his scholarly achievements, he exemplifies a strong collaborative spirit and willingly provides support and guidance to his peers, underscoring his dedication not only to his own success but also to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
This phenomenological study explores how males of color in South Los Angeles utilize Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) to navigate educational pathways from high school through community college and university. Grounded in Yosso’s (2005) CCW framework—which includes aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistance capital—this study centers the voices of ten first-generation African American and Latino/Latinx males from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Using a mixed methods design, the research combined participant intake surveys, structured questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews to capture how these students persist in the face of systemic barriers.
The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, while survey responses were used to triangulate findings and provide context on students’ perceptions of CCW in their academic journeys. The findings revealed that CCW functions as a critical tool for persistence and resilience. Participants described strong familial and community ties that provided emotional and instrumental support. Social and linguistic capital—through bilingualism and peer relationships—enhanced their ability to navigate complex systems. Aspirational capital remained high, and resistance capital was evident through participants’ engagement in redefining academic success on their terms. Institutional resources were often insufficient, but intergenerational mentorship—especially from community-based sources—emerged as a vital support mechanism.
This study challenges deficit-based narratives by highlighting the strategic ways males of color activate their cultural wealth to overcome educational inequities. The findings underscore the need for asset-based, culturally responsive practices in higher education, particularly in community college settings. By uplifting the lived experiences of historically marginalized students, this research provides a roadmap for educators, policymakers, and community leaders to reimagine academic success through the lens of cultural wealth and community empowerment.
Recommended Citation
Espinoza, Marvin, "LEGACY OF LEARNING: THE JOURNEY OF MALES OF COLOR AND THE SUSTAINING POWER OF COMMUNITY CULTURAL WEALTH" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2214.

ABSTRACT This phenomenological study explores how males of color in South Los Angeles utilize Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) to navigate educational pathways from high school through community college and university. Grounded in Yosso’s (2005) CCW framework—which includes aspirational, linguist...

05/08/2025

Congratulations Val Macias- Cohort 17 and Dominic Gutierrez-Cohort 18!
Selected as the inaugural recipients of the Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship for Ed.D. Students


It is with immense pride and joy that we extend our warmest congratulations to both Val Macias- Cohort 17 and Dominic Gutierrez-Cohort 18 on being selected as the inaugural recipients of the Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship for Ed.D. Students.
As you well know, pursuing a Doctorate in Education is both a courageous and transformative journey—one that demands deep commitment, perseverance, and a vision for social impact. While there are some financial aid options available—such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships—they are often more limited than we would wish for those aspiring to this degree path. A common and heartfelt question we receive during every Ed.D. information session is, “Are there grants and doctoral scholarships in education that may help me cover the expenses of my doctoral program?”
Today, we are thrilled to say that this question now has a powerful new answer—yes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Concepción “Co**ha” Rivera, our 2019 Honorary Chair / Madrina de Honor for LEAD (Latino Education & Advocacy Days), and with a matching contribution from the Philanthropic Foundation, we are proud to establish the Dr. Tomás and Concepcion Rivera Fellowship for Ed.D. Students—the first named fellowship in our Ed.D. program.
This fellowship is more than financial support. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy and their unwavering belief in the power of education to uplift communities deeply informs the mission of our own program.
The establishment of this fellowship is also a testament to the strength of our community. We want to recognize VP Robert Nava, a LEAD Padrino de Honor, for being the instrumental force of “good” that brought this vision to fruition. Special thanks also to Jennifer Winburn, SSP IV – Scholarship Lead, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and Doctoral Student-Cohort 18, whose guidance and collaboration was also instrumental in bringing this fellowship to life.
Dr. Tomás Rivera (December 22, 1935 – May 16, 1984) was a trailblazing Mexican American author, poet, and educator whose life story exemplifies the transformative power of education. Born in Texas to migrant farm workers, Rivera spent his youth laboring in the fields—a formative experience that would shape both his literary voice and his commitment to educational equity. Defying the barriers before him, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
Rivera is best known for his 1971 stream-of-consciousness novella ...y no se lo tragó la tierra—translated into English as This Migrant Earth and ...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him. The work, which captured the struggles and resilience of migrant workers, earned the inaugural Premio Quinto Sol award and remains a seminal text in Chicano literature.
His career as an educator was equally distinguished. Rivera taught at high schools across the Southwest before joining the faculties of Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1979, he became the first Mexican-American chancellor in the University of California system when he was appointed to lead UC Riverside, a position he held until his untimely death in 1984. A short video honoring his life and legacy, Deeply Rooted, can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/po1rEo9lWfo [youtu.be]
Concepción “Co**ha” Rivera, an accomplished cultural leader and community advocate, served as the 2019 Honorary Chair / Madrina de Honor for LEAD (Latino Education & Advocacy Days). LEAD convenes educators, artists, researchers, policy experts, students, and community members who are united by a shared commitment to advancing Latino education and leadership.
A recognized force in the Inland Empire, Co**ha Rivera was named 2019 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside). She is the widow of Dr. Tomás Rivera, and she has continued his legacy through decades of civic service.
She notably served as the acting director of the California Museum of Photography, where she oversaw its relocation to downtown Riverside and later worked for 12 years as director of development. Her leadership extended across numerous organizations, including the Riverside Art Museum, the Riverside Community Foundation, and as the founder of the Tomás Rivera Conference and Primavera in the Gardens at UCR. A Mexican immigrant who came to the United States at age 20, Rivera holds degrees in interior design as well as associate degrees in business and fundraising from Loyola University.
The newly established Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera Fellowship honors their lifelong dedication to education and equity. This fellowship aligns with the mission of CSUSB’s Ed.D. program, which is grounded in values of equity, ethics, and social justice—principles deeply reflected in Dr. Tomás and Concepción Rivera’s own vision of transforming education for future generations.
Through the generous support of Co**ha Rivera and a matching gift from the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation, the fellowship provides a $2,000 scholarship annually for the next five years to support Ed.D. students on their path to becoming impactful educational leaders in the Inland Empire and beyond.
Val and Dominic, your selection as the inaugural fellows is a reflection of your excellence, your commitment to equity and social justice, and your potential to lead transformational change in education throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. You now carry the torch of a powerful legacy—one that is deeply rooted in resilience, service, and the transformative promise of education.
We are incredibly proud of you both, and we cannot wait to see where this journey takes you.
With admiration and heartfelt congratulations,
Your Doctoral Team

04/29/2025

Doctoral Candidates (Cohort 16) Present at AERA Conference 2025 in Denver

Congratulations to Leon Strayer and Sailesh Maharjan – both members of Cohort 16 – for their outstanding presentations at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting 2025, held last week in Denver, Colorado!
The AERA Annual Meeting is the world's premier event for education research, bringing together thousands of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the globe. Each year, it serves as a showcase for groundbreaking and innovative studies across a wide range of disciplines within education. With more than 2,500 sessions featuring cutting-edge research, critical conversations, and emerging theories, the 2025 Annual Meeting provided an unparalleled platform for scholarly exchange and professional growth.
Leon and Sailesh represented our program with distinction, contributing to the vibrant intellectual atmosphere by sharing their research findings, engaging with leading experts in the field, and gaining valuable feedback to further refine their work. Their participation reflects not only their dedication to advancing knowledge in education but also highlights the strength and excellence of our academic community.
Presenting at AERA is a major achievement that speaks to their scholarly rigor, commitment to educational improvement, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the broader research landscape. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their research in the years to come.
Congratulations again, Leon and Sailesh!
It’s important for doctoral candidates to present at professional academic conferences for several key reasons:
Sharpening Research Skills: Presenting forces candidates to clearly articulate their research questions, methods, and findings to an expert audience. This strengthens their ability to structure arguments and communicate complex ideas effectively — skills crucial for dissertations, publications, and future careers.
Feedback and Critique: Conferences offer a unique chance to get real-time feedback from experienced scholars. Critical questions, suggestions, and alternative perspectives can help doctoral candidates refine and deepen their work before final publication or defense.
Building Academic Reputation: Early exposure helps doctoral candidates start building a professional identity. Consistent participation can establish them as emerging voices in their field, which is important for job searches, grant applications, and postdoctoral opportunities.
Networking and Collaboration: Conferences create opportunities to connect with other researchers, potential mentors, future collaborators, and even hiring committees. Building relationships can open doors that shape a candidate’s academic or professional trajectory.
Learning Current Trends: Attending sessions outside their own presentations helps candidates stay updated on the latest theories, methods, and debates in their discipline — keeping their research relevant and informed.
Confidence and Professionalism: Regular public speaking in academic settings boosts confidence and helps doctoral candidates develop professional presentation skills, critical for teaching roles, panel discussions, and leadership positions later on.
Your Doctoral Team

11/26/2024

https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15708982/scholars-gather-at-ashe-conference-to-explore-future-of-higher-education

Attendees were encouraged to not only consider their identities as scholars, but to consider their place in a scholarly community.

10/09/2024

Some good news!

Dr. Barbara Wucherpfennig, doctorate in educational leadership (cohort 15) has accepted a position as Assistant Principal at Hillcrest High School.

Hillcrest Principal, Dr. Bentley, wrote: "We look forward to having her join our team, and serve Hillcrest in a different capacity. Dr. Wucherpfennig’s knowledge of our school, the relationships she has built, and her unwavering professionalism will undoubtedly help her as she makes this transition."

Dr. Wucherpfennig shared that this opportunity is a testament to how much she has learned and grown from the Ed.D. Program, and that she is immensely grateful for the support and guidance she has received from our Program over the past three years.

Sincerely,
Your Doctoral Team,
Dr. Enrique Murillo, Dr. Stacey Ortiz, and Mrs. Candice Sykes, MPA

09/20/2024

https://www.csusb.edu/inside/article/582898/csusbs-edd-program-prepares-doctoral-students-leadership-positions-education

Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | [email protected] CSUSB’s Ed.D. program prepares doctoral students for leadership positions in education “The doctoral program was amazing,” said Erika Tejeda, CSUSB Ed.D. alumna and principal at Liberty High School in ...