Northeastern Illinois University will hold a launch celebration for its first doctoral program, the Ed.D. in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry, on March 26 at 5 p.m. in Alumni Hall on the Main Campus in Chicago.
The event marks a significant milestone for the university as it introduces its inaugural doctoral offering. The new program aims to prepare leaders who can drive positive change within their communities and organizations.
The Ed.D. in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry will be housed in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education. Thomas Philion, Dean of the college, said he is pleased that all required approvals have been received and that applications are now being accepted for the first cohort starting in Fall 2026. “Northeastern Illinois University strongly believes in the values of leadership, equity and inquiry,” Philion said. “Through this new doctoral program, we will empower teachers, administrators, nonprofit professionals and others to be at the forefront of creating meaningful, positive changes for the communities and organizations they serve.”
A panel discussion titled “Bridging Theory and Practice: What Does it Mean to Be a Scholar-Practitioner?” is scheduled as part of the event. Panelists include Nicole Holland from Northeastern Illinois University; Gloria McDaniel Hall from National Louis University; and Natalie Neris from Root and Reimagine Consulting Collective.
Kamau Rashid is serving as Founding Director of the Ed.D. in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry program. He has led efforts to develop and implement this initiative since 2021. “The Ed.D. in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry program provides Northeastern Illinois University with an opportunity to prepare leaders who are critically reflective and committed to transformative change in their communities,” Rashid said. “Our students will gain deep insights into the complex dynamics of leadership and research, as well as the political, economic and historical dimensions of education. Most importantly, they will hone analytical tools to address the practical challenges they encounter in their professional practice.”
The event is free and open to the public with food, beverages, complimentary parking available on levels 4 and 5 of the Parking Facility; RSVP is recommended but not required.
