CIRCLE: Building Community, Individuals and Respect--Creating Leaders of Excellence. The EdD Program at Texas A&M University
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| Title: | CIRCLE: Building Community, Individuals and Respect--Creating Leaders of Excellence. The EdD Program at Texas A&M University |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Radhika Viruru (ORCID |
| Source: | Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice. 2026 11(2):3-11. |
| Availability: | University Library System, University of Pittsburgh. 3960 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Tel: 302-831-1266; 302-831-4441; e-mail: dpjournal@pitt.edu; Web site: https://impactinged.pitt.edu/ojs/ImpactingEd |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Evaluative |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Doctoral Programs, Instructional Leadership, Educational Change, Program Development, Program Implementation, Online Courses, Student College Relationship, Social Networks, Sense of Community, Student Needs, Individual Needs, Nontraditional Students, Leadership Training, Educational Practices, Educational Quality |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| ISSN: | 2472-5889 |
| Abstract: | In this article, we describe how the online EdD program in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University underwent a transformative redesign that led to its being recognized as the Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED). We detail the program's evolution from its 2009 inception, its structured pedagogical approach, and the comprehensive self-study process that identified the key features of this redesign which centered on human connection over static online communication. The resulting innovation, the CIRCLE model (Community, Individuals, Respect, Creating Leaders, Excellence), is presented as a theoretically grounded framework aligned with CPED principles. This redesign has fostered a vibrant, community-oriented ecology, leading to significant improvements in student retention and the development of scholar-practitioner-leaders. Evidence of impact is demonstrated through positive student survey outcomes, and compelling testimonials from students and faculty, showcasing the program's profound influence on individuals, the institution, and the communities served by its graduates. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 20260101 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1515756 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In this article, we describe how the online EdD program in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University underwent a transformative redesign that led to its being recognized as the Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED). We detail the program's evolution from its 2009 inception, its structured pedagogical approach, and the comprehensive self-study process that identified the key features of this redesign which centered on human connection over static online communication. The resulting innovation, the CIRCLE model (Community, Individuals, Respect, Creating Leaders, Excellence), is presented as a theoretically grounded framework aligned with CPED principles. This redesign has fostered a vibrant, community-oriented ecology, leading to significant improvements in student retention and the development of scholar-practitioner-leaders. Evidence of impact is demonstrated through positive student survey outcomes, and compelling testimonials from students and faculty, showcasing the program's profound influence on individuals, the institution, and the communities served by its graduates. |
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| ISSN: | 2472-5889 |
