The College of Education doctoral program recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Stueckle Sky Center. The event featured faculty and alumni from 1993-2018 who represented both the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction, as well as the college’s newest doctoral program in educational technology.
The doctoral program at Boise State was created in 1993 by the dean of the College of Education, Robert Barr, to fill a need for educators looking to advance their studies in the Treasure Valley. Since then, graduates of the doctoral program have become leaders in public education and school improvement, and bring their advanced expertise in education to work as school principals and university professors, as well as in private businesses and organizations.
“Students bring their knowledge of teaching philosophy (from their studies) and apply it to the classroom,” said Keith Thiede, associate dean for College of Education graduate programs.
According to Bill Parrett, professor and director of the Center for School Improvement, (and one of the first professors hired in the college to teach doctoral students) the doctoral program “served educators existing in the community. Boise State College of Education was growing to provide graduates with development programs that were previously only available elsewhere.”
Past students remembered how the program brought them together with like-minded and committed fellow educators with whom they built friendships and support throughout their time in the program. “The people in the doctoral program are what I remember most,” said Laurie Wolfe ‘05, chief academic officer, Gem Innovation Schools. “My favorite part of the doctoral program was reading and having a group of educators with a wide range of experiences to discuss current education topics with. Everyone brought their own expertise and perspectives to the program and it made the experience much richer.”
The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction was the first doctoral degree program at Boise State University. As of Spring 2018, the College of Education has conferred doctoral degrees to 139 students.