SHU Announces Its First Education Doctorate Recipient
Marissa J. White successfully defended her dissertation on supporting teachers of color through affinity groups
Sacred Heart University has announced its first- recipient of a doctoral degree in educational leadership (Ed.D.)―a milestone for the holistic approach of the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development.
Marissa J. White of New Haven successfully defended her dissertation, “I am Not Alone: Supporting Teachers of Color Through Affinity Groups,” before dozens of faculty and family members, administrators and fellow candidates of the Ed.D. program Feb. 10, both live on campus and livestreaming.
“In front of this group, I want to be the first to introduce Doctor White,” said T. Lee Morgan, director of inclusive teaching, who chaired the committee charged with supporting White’s dissertation. “Marissa, we’re so proud of you.”
Morgan noted only 1% to 2% of people in the world have earned the highest degree in their field of study and, in addition to joining that impressive group, White will be the first African-American to receive the Ed.D. at Commencement 2022 this spring.
“This is a space you deserve to be in,” he told her.
Trained with a holistic approach, students in the Ed.D. in educational leadership program develop social, emotional and academic leadership (SEAL) skills to lead organizations from a whole-child perspective, as well as effectively and ethically lead faculty and staff. The online, practice-focused program prepares candidates to expand their leadership principles; deepen their knowledge of political, economic and social forces that influence educational leaders’ decisions; and become practitioners and advocates for SEAL-based programs.
Graduates will be ready for positions such as superintendent of schools, principal, district curriculum leader and special education director, among others.
White, an assistant principal in a pre-K-5 school, wrote her dissertation to address the high percentage of teachers of color leaving classrooms and the education profession. She looked at several ways to promote professional development and a positive school culture and climate, focusing on the creation of school-based affinity groups to provide support, mentorship and safe spaces for teachers of color.
“Teachers of color do not need to be fixed,” she said. “The system needs to be fixed.”
White credited SHU’s program as instrumental to her growth as a leader in education. She said it gave her a comprehensive understanding of social-emotional learning and the value of embedding SEAL in schools and curricula, while developing her lens of improvement science.
“Taking a deep dive into practice, partnering with stakeholders and creating real and immediate change within organizations is the approach educational leadership has been missing,” she said. “Improvement science is the key to change, and I am thrilled to have been part of the first cohort to embark on this unique journey.”
Program Director David Title, who holds an Ed.D., called White’s dissertation defense a “very emotional moment” for all those associated with the Ed.D. program.
Michael Alfano, SHU vice provost and dean of Farrington College, shared the news of White’s successful dissertation defense in an email to the entire SHU community, lauding her for her impressive achievement.
“(White) has set the bar incredibly high for all who follow her,” Alfano said. “We should all be incredibly proud of what she accomplished.”
In addition to Morgan, the dissertation committee included Suzanne Marmo, assistant professor of social work, and K. Kayon Morgan, professor of educational leadership.