MOUNT OLIVE – In a groundbreaking step for higher education in eastern North Carolina, the University of Mount Olive (UMO) has received official approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer its first-ever doctoral program.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) will begin in the fall of 2025 and aims to address a critical need for skilled educational leaders in the region.

According to Dr. Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, a driving force behind the initiative, the program’s development was rooted in UMO’s longstanding commitment to serve and support rural communities.

“Since its founding in 1951, UMO has consistently worked to address, prepare, and support the students, community, and the larger population of rural, eastern North Carolina,” Dr. Bullard-Maxwell explained. “This doctoral program is a natural extension of that mission, designed to enhance educational leadership and improve outcomes within local schools and districts.”

The timing of the program’s approval comes as North Carolina faces significant turnover among K-12 leadership, with 30 out of the state’s 115 school districts searching for new superintendents at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

This 26% turnover rate highlights the urgent need for a “grow your own” approach, where local educators are identified, recruited, and supported to step into senior-level leadership roles.

UMO’s new Ed.D. program will address this gap by preparing up to 15 candidates each year from partner public school units (PSUs), focusing on high-need districts.

The program aims to transition 45 educational leaders into administrative roles over the next five years, fostering stability and expertise within the region.

The 60-semester-hour degree program is designed for completion in three years. The hybrid structure combines face-to-face and online learning experiences, allowing working professionals to balance academic responsibilities with leadership roles. Students will follow a cohort model, fostering collaboration and peer support as they progress through the program.

The curriculum aligns with the North Carolina Standards for Superintendents and includes coursework in strategic leadership, instructional leadership, cultural leadership, and human resource management.

A key feature of the program is its emphasis on practical application, with students tailoring their research and activities to their professional interests.

“Educational leaders today must do more than manage operations,” Dr. Bullard-Maxwell noted. “They must create dynamic learning organizations that can adapt and improve rapidly. Our program will equip leaders with the skills to anticipate and address complex, system-wide challenges.”

A defining aspect of UMO’s program is its focus on rural educational needs.

“Through the lens of rural, eastern North Carolina, the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program will strategically address human development, classroom support, organizational leadership, and equity,” Dr. Bullard-Maxwell stated. “UMO’s strong ties to this region make us uniquely equipped to lead this effort.”

Graduates of the program will be prepared to step into roles such as district superintendents, curriculum directors, and other senior administrative positions.

Those holding a North Carolina administrative or supervision license can also upgrade their credentials and obtain a superintendent’s license.

UMO’s approval to offer its first doctoral program marks a pivotal moment for the institution and the region.

“As we launch the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program, we are excited to deepen our commitment to preparing educational leaders and educational growth in eastern North Carolina,” UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom said. “This program is designed to equip aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills to address the unique challenges facing schools today.”