Meet Our Ed.D. Students
Introducing our Doctoral Students
Meet some of our Ed.D. students and learn about their interests, career goals and why they chose Point Park.
Fall 2020 Cohort
Eric Baker
Job title and employer: Police sergeant, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Career goals: To change the culture of American policing through ethical leadership.
What attracted you to Point Park? I love Point Park as everyone here has gone out of their way to ensure that I have every possible tool to be successful.
Lauren Becker-Leipart
Job title and employer: Literacy instructor, North Country Supervisory Union in Vermont
Career goals: Research, teaching and scholarship.
What attracted you to Point Park? It aligns with my research interests and experiences.
Carla Duerr
Job title and employer: Technical support analyst, Phillips Respironics
Career goals: To teach college students.
What attracted you to Point Park? I earned my master's degree at the University.
David Friedenbloom
Job title and employer: Director of curriculum and instruction, Chestnut Ridge School District
Career goals: Aspiring to better serve the students, families, teachers and the Chestnut Ridge community.
What attracted you to Point Park? Convenience of the online format and the reputation of the Ed.D. program.
Lucas Furlow
Job title and employer: Elementary school principal, Moon Area School District
Career goals: Attaining more education for self-improvement and to attain more options.
What attracted you to Point Park? The Ed.D. program is student-centered.
Dominique Furrowh
Job title and employer: Elementary special education teacher, public school district in Newark, Del.
What attracted you to Point Park? The wonderful professors and online learning option.
Amy Highfield
Job title and employer: Principal, Hasson Elementary School in Oil City Area School District
Career goals: Obtain my Ed.D. to grow professionally and seek employment at a higher education institution.
What attracted you to Point Park? I was intrigued by the Ed.D. program at Point Park, researched it and was very excited to meet the professors and enroll in the program.
Michael Howze
Job title and employer: Director of human resources, Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County in Ithaca, N.Y.
Career goals: To continue to grow within the field of human resources by assisting individuals and organizations achieve their desired level of success.
What attracted you to Point Park? I earned my M.A. at Point Park, and I'm familiar with the University’s fine reputation. The staff and faculty are some of the nicest people to work with, and the coursework is challenging and relevant.
Nabila Iglemat
Job title and employer: Teacher, Montgomery County Schools
Career goals: Become a college professor.
What attracted you to Point Park? The flexibility of the program while also working as a full-time teacher.
Julie Kupec
Job title and employer: English and social studies teacher, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Career goals: To write and implement curriculum.
What attracted you to Point Park? The two-year online option.
Kwame Ntiamoah
Job title and employer: Special education teacher, Commonwealth Charter Academy
Career goals: To become an expert in the field of special education leadership.
What attracted you to Point Park? The experienced and diverse faculty.
Amy Pastorak
Job title and employer: Assistant director, Bureau of Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Career goals: To improve outcomes for students with disabilities by enhancing the knowledge and skill set of special educators.
What attracted you to Point Park? I am an alumna, and the coursework and program format meet my needs as a professional.
April Ragland
Job title and employer: Assistant director of pupil services, Peters Township School District
Career goals: To become the director of the pupil services program.
What attracted you to Point Park? I completed the Principal Certification and Letter of Eligibility at the University. I have always been very impressed with the quality of instruction and knowledge of the professors at Point Park and feel that the University provides mentoring relationships and fosters engaged conversation with peers.
Chaz Shipman
Job title and employer: Band director, Freeport Area School District
Career goals: To work in administration.
What attracted you to Point Park? The online cohort option.
Kelly Shirting
Job title and employer: Assistant principal at Penn Hills High School
Career goals: To become a superintendent.
What attracted you to Point Park? I'm an alumna, and I know the quality education the University provides.
Rebekah Young
Job title and employer: Natural sciences instructor, Point Park University
Career goals: My short-term goal is to continue teaching at the post-secondary level. My long-term career goal is to pursue a leadership position in higher education.
What attracted you to Point Park? I had just finished the M.A. in Adult Learning and Training program and enjoyed it immensely. I continued into the Ed.D. program because of my love for learning. I believe the level of excellence at Point Park is one of a kind.
Learn More
Point Park University's Ed.D. program in leadership and administration — with a fully online option — will expand your leadership skills and help you reach a higher-level position in your career.
You can complete our 54-credit, cohort-style degree program in just three years — or less — if transferring in post-master's credits.
Request more information or apply online.