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A Leadership Model Built on Service

Central to the program is its commitment to servant leadership — cultivating leaders who prioritize empathy, empowerment, and collaboration. Through academic study and reflective practice, students examine how servant leadership creates sustainable innovation, inclusive cultures, and positive societal impact.

"As a proud member of the inaugural doctoral cohort, I can say with confidence that ������Ƶ's program in Organizational Leadership and Innovation not only upholds the highest academic standards, but also surrounds each student with genuine care, guidance, and purpose-driven support. It's a model of excellence in higher education, said Jo-Ann Semko,Director of Education / Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Altonna-Johnstown."

"The Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Innovation at ������Ƶ exemplifies academic excellence, combining rigorous scholarship with unwavering support—where every student is truly seen, heard, and empowered to lead meaningful change."

Faculty serve not just as educators but as mentors and role models, demonstrating the values they teach and guiding students through a transformative learning experience.

Bridging Theory and Practice

The Executive Ed.D. follows a scholar-practitioner model, integrating rigorous academic research with real-world leadership challenges. Students engage in hands-on coursework and complete original dissertation research aligned with their professional goals and organizational needs.

“The program challenged me to think beyond traditional boundaries,” said Genaro Iglesias, City Manager of South Miami, FL. “The hybrid format and the cross-sector learning experience allowed me to grow alongside a diverse group of accomplished professionals, expanding my perspective on leadership and innovation.”

A Cross-Disciplinary Approach for a Complex World

Drawing from fields such as business, education, healthcare, technology, and nonprofit leadership, the program offers a rich, cross-disciplinary curriculum. Students explore leadership through multiple lenses, developing the adaptability and systems thinking required in today’s interconnected global landscape.

Career Transformation and Community Impact

Graduates of the Executive Ed.D. program are charting diverse and influential career paths — from C-suite leadership and educational administration to consulting, entrepreneurship, and public service. Each carries forward a shared mission: to lead ethically, innovate boldly, and serve with purpose.

Real-World Research with Lasting Results

The culminating dissertation projects  reflect the program’s deep commitment to practical impact. Topics explored by the Francis 2022 Cohort include organizational culture change, educational innovation, employee engagement, and leading through disruption. These research initiatives are already being implemented to drive measurable change across industries and communities.

“The relationships I formed and the insights I gained through this program have transformed the way I lead,” said William A. Aurandt, Principal of Westmont Hilltop High School. “It was an innovative experience unlike anything I had encountered before in education.”

A Milestone Moment for ������Ƶ

“As members of the Francis 2022 Cohort walk across the commencement stage, they celebrate more than an academic milestone—they begin a new chapter of purpose-driven leadership shaped by the mission of ������Ƶ.”

“This founding cohort has set the bar high,” said Dr. McFadden. “They lead with heart, innovate with purpose, and embody what it means to be servant leaders in a time when the world truly needs them.”

Applications Now Open for Fall 2025

������Ƶ is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort of the Executive Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Innovation. To learn more, visit www.francis.edu/EdD or contact Dr. Tricia McFadden at tmcfadden@francis.edu.