Morehead State University celebrates record-breaking Ed.D. cohort
Morehead State University marked a historic milestone at the 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9. The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program graduated its largest cohort to date, reflecting the program's continued growth and impact across the region and beyond.
"The success of this cohort is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff," said Dr. Nicola Mason (Class of 2007), dean of the Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education. "We are proud to celebrate a group of leaders who are ready to make lasting contributions in their professions and communities."
Graduates of the Ed.D. program engage in rigorous coursework and research grounded in leadership, innovation, and applied practice. Many finish the program while balancing full-time careers and personal responsibilities.
For Dr. Tim Gibbs (Class of 1991, 2026), who first graduated from Morehead State with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1991, the moment represented the culmination of a lifelong journey connected to MSU.
"Today is officially my last day as a student at Morehead State University. A journey that began in January of 1987 (for his undergraduate degree) finally comes to a close," Gibbs shared. "Morehead has never simply been a school to me. It has always been part of my life and part of my family's story."
A native of eastern Kentucky, Gibbs reflected on how the University shaped both his personal and professional path. Gibbs is currently the CEO of Four Corners Economic Development in Farmington, New Mexico. He was previously the CEO and president of Ashland Alliance. Before that, he spent nearly a decade running the Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development Partnership for the city of Ashland, as well as Boyd and Greenup Counties.
Through decades of connection to Morehead State as a student, community partner and supporter, he credits the University with opening doors and creating opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
"Morehead State University has done that for generations of people, and it certainly did that for me," he said. "Both education and economic development are about empowering people, helping families break cycles and creating pathways where people can do things they once believed were impossible."
Gibbs also emphasized the critical role of mentorship throughout his doctoral journey.
"There were times I could not see the pathway myself, but the faculty at MSU helped provide one," he said. "They guided me, challenged me and helped me accomplish something I was not able to do alone. That matters more than I can properly express."
His story reflects the broader mission of the Ed.D. program, to develop leaders who not only achieve academic excellence but also use their knowledge to positively impact others.
The Volgenau College of Education proudly marked another milestone as Thomas Ray (Class of 2026) became the first student to successfully complete the Career & Technical Education (CTE) track in the doctoral program. This marks a significant moment in the program’s history and demonstrates the MSU College of Education’s commitment to advancing leadership and research in CTE.
Ray, an FBLA and business educator and advocate for CTE for more than six years, successfully defended a capstone titled, “The Impact of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) on High School Students and Leadership Development.”
The CTE doctoral program prepares professionals for leadership, research, and policy development in technical education. Graduates are prepared to influence the future of workforce development and educational innovation at the local, regional, and national levels.
"This milestone is not only about numbers; it is about impact," Mason said. "Each graduate represents a ripple effect of positive change across communities, institutions, and industries."
As Morehead State University looks to the future, the Ed.D. program remains focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and empowering the next generation of leaders dedicated to improving lives through education and service.
MSU's Ed.D. program prepares educators and professionals with aspirations for administrative leadership to become skilled practitioners and visionary leaders while balancing the responsibilities of a teaching career and personal commitments.
The Ed.D. program is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to elevate their expertise in multiple specializations, including:
- Adult & Higher Education Leadership
- P–12 Administrative Leadership
- Educational Technology Leadership
- Exceptional Child Leadership
- Career & Technical Education
Starting in Fall 2026, the Ed.D. program will be offered 100% online. This will allow MSU to reach more candidates interested in pursuing a quality doctoral program in educational leadership.
“We pride ourselves in building and nurturing relationships with our students and our region, which is why our online program will provide optional opportunities for in-person events, including an Ed.D. dinner where candidates can meet their professors in person and network with their peers," Mason said.
MSU is currently accepting applications to the Ed.D. program for educators seeking the tools and knowledge to become effective education administrators. Prospective students interested in applying for MSU's Ed.D. program must apply by July 1 for the Fall 2026 semester and Oct. 1 for the Spring 2027 semester.
Learn more about MSU's Department of Foundational & Graduate Studies in Education programs by contacting fgse@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2261.
To learn more about the MSU's Volgenau College of Education and its programs, please contact Dean of the Volgenau College of Education Dr. Nicola Mason at nfmason@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2162.
