Educational Leadership (MS)
Bringing competent and caring leadership to schools; for the benefit of students, parents, and staff.
Bringing competent and caring leadership to schools; for the benefit of students, parents, and staff.
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership is designed to meet the need for leaders in diverse educational settings, who will not only be effective administrators but also visionary educators and instructional leaders. The program promotes a collaborative approach to leadership that empowers stakeholders to attain individual and institutional goals. Upon program completion, students are eligible for administrator certification in Michigan.
Why did you choose Madonna University?
I chose Madonna University because it was close to home and it had an excellent reputation.
What do you think makes the experience and education at Madonna Special?
All of my professors were extremely dedicated and passionate professors. They truly
cared about students, which included me the student and the students I would be entrusted
with. The small class size was also a plus for personalized attention.
What have you been doing since graduation, career wise?
When I first graduated 11 years ago, I started working at Plymouth High School in their FCS department. I was there for seven years and then I moved over to East Middle School. I have been here for five years. Just recently I accepted a position at Ohio University as an associate lecturer and program coordinator.
How has your Madonna degree played a role in your current position?
My Madonna degree has led me to a new challenge in my career. I will be lecturing
and also responsible for growing a department.
What has been your most rewarding professional or personal experience since graduating?
My most rewarding experience is that I now will have the opportunity to be like the
professors that so greatly inspired me. It is my turn to inspire the next generations
of educators.
Madonna University partners with the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary in offering this specialized leadership program with four courses that define leadership in Catholic Schools: Leadership in Catholic Identity, Leadership in Christian Development, Catechetical Leadership, and Formation of the Christian Community.
B.A. Michigan State University
M.A. Western Michigan University
Ed.D. Western Michigan University
734-432-5855
Richard R (Rick) Benedict, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus, was a full time faculty member of Madonna University since the fall of 2001. He served as chair of the Teacher Education Program for six years – interrupted by a year of recuperation from a bout with leukemia and a bone marrow transplant. He recently rejoined the faculty, part-time, to serve as Chair of the Master of Science programs (Educational Leadership and Catholic School Leadership) for this current academic year. Prior to his tenure at Madonna, Dr. Benedict, spent 30 years in public schools in many different roles – including high school principal, middle school principal, developer of a network of alternative high schools (Enterprise High – see the book “Trashcan Kids”), an occupational education teacher, a vocational education administrator, a high school teacher and football coach. He served as adjunct faculty for both Saginaw Valley State and Oakland University before he joined the faculty at Madonna. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics, a master’s degree in counseling, a doctorate in educational leadership and is also a commissioned spiritual director (trained through the Jesuits at Manresa).
His interests include educational change, elevating the professional status of teachers, advocating for the integration of social-emotional goals in the assessment of school performance, and improving the learning-lives of all learners – including teachers, administrators, parents and the learners from whom we learn to teach.
B.S Oakland University
M.A. Northern Michigan University
Ph.D. Michigan State University
734-432-5790, 2230F
Joy Oslund, Ph.D. is the Coordinator of Directed Teaching and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. She joined the full time faculty of Madonna University in 2016. She received her Ph.D. in Teacher Education from Michigan State University. Her research interests include teaching elementary mathematics for social justice, using cooperative group work to promote equity in classrooms, and teacher learning. She serves on the board for the Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is actively engaged in organizations promoting anti-racism in schools.
Associate Dean of University Assessment
Associate Dean for Institutional Effectiveness
Professor
B.Ed. Bishop Grosseteste College
M.Ed. University of Sheffield
Ph.D. University of Michigan
734-432-5645, 2002
Stewart Wood is the Associate Dean for University Assessment, Associate Dean for Institutional Effectiveness, Professor of Education, and Chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee. Stewart joined the full-time faculty at Madonna University in 1994. He teaches Educational Research and Practice in the HEA program, drawing on his expertise in teaching and learning theory, educational psychology, lifelong learning, achievement motivation, and assessment. Dr. Wood is an active member of the American Educational Research Association and serves as a reviewer for the Lilly Conferences on College Teaching. Dr. Wood has served on numerous advisory boards and published articles in Phi Delta Kappa and the Journal of Early Adolescence. Stewart earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan and M.Ed. from the University of Sheffield, U.K.
A.B. University of Michigan
M.S. University of Dayton
Ph.D. University of Michigan
734-432-5653, 2204
Dr. Anne M. Morris is an Associate Professor. Her doctoral degree is in Educational Leadership and her professional interests include organizational change, assessment, strategic planning, and K-12 Catholic schooling. Dr. Morris teaches in the Educational Leadership master’s program. She is a member of the Academic Excellence Committee for the Archdiocese of Detroit and serves as a board member for a local Catholic elementary school.
