Mizzou Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

09/03/2026

Meet Jackie Spainhower, one of our incoming EdD in Educational Leadership students!

Jackie works as a Community Development Specialist with MU Extension, where she supports communities, organizations, and individuals through leadership, nonprofit management, entrepreneurship, local government, and community development.

With 25 years of hands-on experience in community and government capacity building, Jackie is pursuing her EdD to connect her practical experience with applied research. She hopes to strengthen her ability to conduct research grounded in rural community needs and use it to better serve rural communities.

We’re excited to welcome Jackie to ELPA and see how she brings her experience into the EdD program! 🐯

09/02/2026

Say hello to Michael Lipkowitz, an incoming student in Mizzou’s EdD in Educational Leadership program!

Michael serves as an Academic Policy, Performance, and Assessment Lead for New York City Public Schools, supporting a district of 53 high schools across the city. With a strong background in special education, he is passionate about supporting students with a wide range of needs.

Michael was drawn to the EdD program’s cohort model and emphasis on policy and quantitative research. Through the program, he hopes to expand his opportunities and strengthen his ability to make an impact wherever his career takes him.

We’re excited to have Michael bring his district-level experience and perspective to the ELPA community! 🐯

09/02/2026

We’re excited to welcome Alexandria Thiessen to Mizzou’s EdD in Educational Leadership program!

Alexandria currently serves as principal at Guadalupe Centers Charter Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri. As a practicing educational leader, she was drawn to the EdD program’s focus on using research to address real-world challenges while continuing to lead.

Through the program, Alexandria hopes to strengthen her ability to use research to make informed decisions and improve outcomes for students and teachers while preparing for a future career as a district leader.

We’re excited to see Alexandria continue growing as a leader and bring her experience to the ELPA community! 🐯

09/02/2026

Meet Scott Williams, one of our incoming EdD in Educational Leadership students!

Scott currently serves as Assistant Director for Student Involvement & Student Organizations at Washington University in St. Louis. He is also returning to the ELPA community after earning his M.Ed. from Mizzou in May 2025.

Through the EdD program, Scott hopes to continue growing as a leader and strengthen his ability to support students and staff, with interests in leadership development, training, and organizational effectiveness.

Welcome back to ELPA, Scott! We’re excited to have you continue your journey with us. 🐯

08/28/2026

🎉 Welcome to Mizzou, new EdD students!

We’re excited to welcome our incoming students to the EdD in Educational Leadership program. 🐯

Beginning next week, we’ll be introducing our newest students and sharing more about the experiences, interests, and goals they bring to the ELPA community.

We can’t wait to see what they accomplish!

08/27/2026

✨ New faculty spotlight: Danial Boatman will be an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis this fall. Learn more about Danial at https://brnw.ch/21x5gne.

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Curs and Dr. Harper Morris!

Congratulations to College of Education & Human Development faculty who have been promoted, effective Sept. 1:

🔸 Bradley Curs, Professor
🔸 Casandra Harper Morris, Professor
🔸 Robert Petrone, Professor
🔸 Hyerim Cho, Associate Professor
🔸 Aileen Garcia, Associate Professor
🔸 Sam von Gillern, Associate Professor
🔸 Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, Teaching Professor
🔸 Jena Morgan, Associate Teaching Professor

Read more about these appointments: https://brnw.ch/21x53x7

08/11/2026

👏👏👏

CEHD Researchers @ Work: Featured publication. Nolan, C., & Mendoza, P. (2026). Power-Sharing Under Pressure: What a Decade of Community Partnership Reveals for Philanthropy Today. The Foundation Review, 18(2).
https://brnw.ch/21x4OYz

07/31/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Alex Bryan on successfully defending their Dissertation in Practice! 🤖🎓

In the dissertation, Undergraduate Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Process-Oriented Learning and AI Shame, Dr. Bryan explored how undergraduate students use generative AI in their coursework and the factors that influence their decisions to adopt or avoid these tools.

Dr. Bryan plans to use this research to help colleges and universities develop practical, ethical approaches to AI by creating resources for faculty and student affairs professionals that support student learning, academic integrity, and the thoughtful use of emerging technology.

As artificial intelligence continues to shape education, Dr. Bryan's work reflects how the EdD in Educational Leadership prepares leaders to address emerging challenges with research-informed, practical solutions.

Congratulations, Dr. Bryan! We look forward to seeing the impact of your work. 🐯

07/28/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Amber Allen on successfully defending her Dissertation in Practice! 🌱

In her dissertation, Psychological Capital and Burnout among Extension Faculty: A Mixed Methods Study on Burnout Prevention, Dr. Allen explored ways to better understand burnout among Extension faculty and identify strategies that can help prevent it.

She plans to share her research through conferences and educational resources, with the goal of encouraging proactive burnout prevention and supporting faculty well-being. By bringing these conversations to a wider audience, she hopes to help create healthier, more resilient learning communities across education.

Dr. Allen's work reflects the EdD in Educational Leadership's commitment to using research to address real challenges and improve the experiences of educators and the communities they serve.

Congratulations, Dr. Allen! Wishing you continued success as you inspire positive change through your leadership and research. 🐯🎓