Texas Tech, ASU Colleges of Education Collaborate to Train Educators

School administrators and educators in the San Angelo area will have the opportunity to complete a Texas Tech University doctoral degree program without having to leave San Angelo.

Texas Tech’s College of Education is working with Angelo State University’s College of Education and College of Graduate Studies to offer a doctor of education in educational leadership degree from Texas Tech completely on the ASU campus.

Interested candidates can apply now through Oct. 15 on the Texas Tech College of Education website and are invited to an informational session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 11 in Room 101 of the Carr Fine Arts Building on the ASU campus.

“This collaboration is an outstanding example of how the universities within our system work together to provide accessibility to higher education,” said Chancellor Kent Hance. “The Texas Tech University System is committed to ensuring every student and working professional has the opportunity to further their education, whether it is in a classroom, through online courses or distance learning.”

JoAnn Klinker, associate professor of educational leadership at Texas Tech and doctoral program coordinator, said this is a convenient way for principals and superintendents to continue their education without leaving the San Angelo area.

“Educators can use this degree to stay current on educational issues, learn what’s new in educational theory and practice, to seek employment in a position that requires this degree, or just for personal satisfaction. Some will use it to become college professors.” Klinker said. “We’re excited to offer the opportunity in the San Angelo area.”

Klinker is working closely with Charles Ruch, interim dean of Texas Tech’s College of Education; John Miazga, dean of the ASU College of Education; Brian May, dean of the ASU College of Graduate Studies and Jim Summerlin, head of ASU’s Department of Curriculum & Instruction.

“We are delighted to join with our system partner in offering this opportunity to regional educational leaders to peruse an advanced graduate degree,” Ruch said.

Miazga, Ruch’s counterpart at ASU, said ASU is looking toward a rich relationship among students, faculty, and college to the benefit of both institutions.

“The College of Education at Angelo State University sees collaboration with TTU’s College of Education as a great opportunity for students in the Concho Valley. This is the beginning of many collaborative interactions between the colleges,” Miazga said.

May said that ASU’s primary responsibility is to provide hosting duties.

“Our first official act will be to hold the informational session in September. We want people to come learn about the program, and to meet the Texas Tech faculty and ask questions.”

The program, which is slated to start in January 2011, will consist of a first cohort of 15 student professionals. The basic course structure is two classes each semester followed by work on the dissertation. Participants must be accepted into Texas Tech’s Graduate School and College of Education, and must have experience in education administration to apply for the degree. Required courses will be offered in a combination of face-to-face, online and interactive television options.