As a counselor, clinical leader, and adjunct instructor, Katie Linebarger wanted a doctoral program that aligned with her values of leadership and community. Rockhurst University’s Online Ed.D. in Higher Education provided the flexibility and supportive cohort she needed to succeed. Her experience prepared her for future leadership roles and gave her the chance to conduct meaningful research on staff engagement, making an immediate impact in her workplace.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

“I had a great experience at Rockhurst.

I made some wonderful connections with really great people who have become such close dear friends to me that I know will be lifelong friends.

Never in my life would I have dreamed that I would get to this point in my career. I am already a licensed counselor. The next step would be to do a higher degree in education.

And Rockhurst, I felt, was a really great fit and a really great program for me.

The online convenience at Rockhurst is amazing because as a professional, as a mom, as just a busy human being, being able to do the work when I'm able to, you know, sometimes it's early in the morning or late at night, just allows that flexibility. And I love that the two-year length was so enticing.

Two years is doable with a busy life and career goals and wanting to move forward. It's like, yes, let's get it done.

I felt that it offered exactly what I was looking for in the educational leadership piece.

One of my biggest personal values is a sense of community. Working in a cohort was amazing because we had the support of each other. Every other week or every three weeks, we would meet together in a Zoom, and it just was that support to know that we weren't alone.