Jacksonville, AL – The Doctor of Education (EdD) program at Jacksonville State University has been accepted into the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), a national consortium of more than 160 colleges and schools of education focused on strengthening doctoral education through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Jax State was one of 18 institutions nationwide invited to join CPED’s newest membership cohort. Member institutions work together to examine and improve Doctor of Education programs by sharing research, best practices, and innovative approaches to preparing educational leaders.
According to the university, acceptance into CPED follows a year of strategic work by faculty to review and strengthen the EdD program. The effort included a comprehensive application process led by Dr. Brandon Gilliland with support from Dr. Nilufer Guler, highlighting the program’s focus on preparing leaders to address challenges facing schools, organizations, and communities.
The university also credited the work of the faculty-led EdD Task Force, which spent the past year evaluating curriculum, program design, and student outcomes to align the program with national best practices and the changing needs of educational leadership.
“Joining CPED affirms the important work our faculty have undertaken to strengthen and reimagine the Doctor of Education program,” said Dr. Kimberly Gaiters-White, Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “This achievement reflects a shared commitment to preparing educational leaders who can think critically, solve complex problems, and create meaningful change in their schools, organizations, and communities.”
Gaiters-White also recognized the contributions of Dr. Gilliland, Dr. Guler, and members of the EdD Task Force for their work in helping position the program for the national recognition.
CPED’s mission is to transform the preparation of educational professionals through scholarly practice, providing opportunities for faculty collaboration, research partnerships, professional development, and participation in national discussions about doctoral education.
University officials said the designation reinforces Jax State’s commitment to providing a doctoral experience centered on leadership, inquiry, and practical application.
“CPED membership recognizes the quality and vision of our EdD program and the faculty who have worked diligently to elevate it,” said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This opportunity connects Jax State to a distinguished community of scholars and practitioners while further strengthening our ability to serve students and educational partners across Alabama and beyond.”
Jax State’s Doctor of Education program is housed within the College of Education and Professional Studies, which prepares educators, administrators, counselors, and other professionals to serve communities across Alabama and beyond.
