The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program celebrated 
the graduation of its inaugural cohort during Marian University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Launching in July 2020, the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program is the first non-health related doctorate degree offered at Marian University and is designed for working professionals who seek dynamic growth in their leadership practice, whether as part of a move into upper-level management and leadership, or simply to make a bigger difference driving progress on the complex challenges they care most deeply about.
Among the 13 students graduating from the first class are five Marian University faculty and staff members:
Lesley Neff, Ed.D., Director of Educational Services, Marian’s Adult Programs
Jennifer Plumlee, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President of Student Success and Engagement, Center for Academic Success and Engagement
Lori Rumreich, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Marketing and Sales, Byrum School of Business
Clint Whitson, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Karen Wright, Ed.D., Director of Residencies and Clinical Experiences, Fred S. Klipsch Educators College
“The Marian University Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program was truly transformational for me,” said Clint Whitson, Ed.D., assistant dean of student affairs in the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. “The faculty pushed me to go beyond surface-level reflection to dig deep into the countless life experiences that make up the lenses through which I view the world around me. What I appreciated most is that the primary skill-building from this program revolved around building capacity in myself and in others so that in times of stress and pressure we can keep perspective on what’s most important and work to increase the options available to us.”
The program emphasizes the Adaptive Leadership framework as its foundation, which provides a leadership focus that recognizes organizations as social systems, differentiates between technical problems and adaptive challenges, and expressly accounts for the nuance and power of authority and group dynamics.
“The Marian University Doctoral in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program has provided me the opportunity to fulfill my professional aspirations and has helped me become a better leader, supervisor, and colleague,” said Jennifer Plumlee, Ed.D., assistant vice president of student success and engagement. “The curriculum and approach is truly unique and the faculty members challenged us to think broadly about systems and approaches. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and am proud to be a Marian Knight!"