Sac State Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Marque Willis defended his doctoral dissertation, "CONNECTION IS KEY: HOW RELATIONSHIPS, REPRESENTATION, AND RELEVANCE ADVANCE BLACK STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT," on April 21, 2026. Congratulations Marque!

Alejandro Gutierrez defended his doctoral dissertation, "PRESENCIA: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF GENUNO LATINO STUDENTS AND CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM IN URBAN AREA SECONDARY SCHOOLS," on April 20, 2026. Congratulations Alejandro!

In an age when so much feels uncertain, one thing has never wavered — our love for our students and our belief in the power of education. When you give to the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Scholarship Fund, you’re not just donating. You’re standing with the scholars who will become the champions our communities need.

Your support helps future leaders rise with courage, purpose, and heart. Your generosity makes sure education always has defenders. Your gift — big or small — creates certainty where it matters most.

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Learn more about this fund here: https://swarmfunding.csus.edu/project/49774

Shannon Barnes is defending her doctoral dissertation, "Because We're Bright and Colorful": Scapegoating Transgender Teachers as Political Strategy,” on May 5, 2026, at 12PM. Details and links can be found on the Ed.D. Homepage » Dissertation Defense Schedule — check the link in our bio!

Marc Martin is defending his doctoral dissertation, "Navigating Inconsistency: Foster Youth Experiences of Disconnected Child Welfare and Education Systems,” on April 28, 2026, at 4PM. Details and links can be found on the Ed.D. Homepage » Dissertation Defense Schedule — check the link in our bio!

Happy to Cohort 17! The Ratchetdemics are so close to the finish line. Congratulations to all those who have written, presented, defended and on their way to defend their dissertations! 🤍

Mai Yang is defending her doctoral dissertation, "Navigating Systems: The Study of a Hmong Refugee Family's Success in Navigating Educational Systems,” on April 28, 2026, at 3PM. Details and links can be found on the Ed.D. Homepage » Dissertation Defense Schedule — check the link in our bio!

Laura Roberts is defending her doctoral dissertation, "Equity, Politics, and Power: District Leadership Decision Making in the Face of DEI Contention,” on April 27, 2026, at 11AM. Details and links can be found on the Ed.D. Homepage » Dissertation Defense Schedule — check the link in our bio!

Nina Nguyen defended her doctoral dissertation, "A Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Standardized College Admissions Testing,” on April 24, 2026, at 2PM. Congratulations Nina!

to the family at , including CH18NBREAKERS, alum, and faculty! Shoutout to our amazing Ed.D. community for always coming out to present, support, and learn!