IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 12, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU explores doctor of education collaborative

 SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University is exploring the possibility of establishing a   collaborative program with Youngstown State University to bring YSU’s doctor of educational leadership program to western Pennsylvania. The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit is also interested in establishing the collaborative program.

            A meeting for prospective students will take place at 5 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Regional Learning Alliance in Allegheny County.

            “It’s a fantastic idea that will help our graduates gain additional skills and knowledge about educational leadership and how schools interact in today’s communities,” said Jay Hertzog, SRU dean of the College of Education. “We’ve identified a need and hope to make it a reality.”

            Students would be able to earn a doctorate through a combination of online study and traditional classroom activities offered at the Regional Learning Alliance, which SRU administers.  The institutions hope to launch the collaborative in fall 2008.

            Educational leadership focuses on enhancing competencies in the areas of scholarship, instruction, management, external relationships and personal development, Hertzog said. The program targets educators with K-12 principalship certification. 

            “The program will increase the preparation level of administrators and give our current students, even those in undergraduate majors, another goal to shoot for,” Hertzog said.

            YSU professors would initially teach the doctoral-level classes with SRU professors getting involved in subsequent years, Hertzog said. Graduates of the program would receive their doctorate from YSU.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.