From UF Ed.D. Student to Chair of the Program

Kara Parker, Ed.D. ’17, assistant professor of education and chair of the doctorate of education program, was recently named Chair of University of Findlay’s Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) Program.

Parker started her time at Findlay as a student in the Doctorate of Education Program. After receiving her Ed.D., she accepted a position as an assistant professor in the College of Education. Parker’s experience as a student in the program has given her a unique perspective because she knows firsthand what the students need. She feels that she has a holistic view of what is necessary to make the program successful.

During her time as a professor, she produced the Doctorate of Education in School Psychology Program; therefore, program development is not new territory for her. For Parker, creating program standards and goals, along with reaching those goals, is a strength.

“I love teaching and I love watching programs succeed and being a part of that. One of the courses I teach is focused on collaboration and this is really a passion for me,” she said. “I really think that’s what being a chair of a program is; it’s finding a way to successfully collaborate with faculty and staff in that program to make it exactly what students need. I’m thrilled to be in this position.”

Parker is also excited to get to know Ed.D. students better. As a professor, she has taught a couple of courses in the program and served on many student dissertation committees, but now as chair, she works with students more and gets to know their exact needs. “I get to make sure our program is differentiated enough for our students to meet every single one of their needs, which is extremely important in education,” she added.

To learn more about Findlay’s Ed.D. Program, please visit the Doctorate of Education webpage.