WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. —West Liberty University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program has officially entered dissertation defense season, marking an exciting milestone for the program’s inaugural cohort.
Leading the way is doctoral candidate Shawna Safreed, who successfully defended her dissertation on March 9 with a 3-0 pass, becoming the first candidate in the cohort to complete this significant step in the doctoral journey. Her study, “Exploring the Relationship Between Academic Tracking and Student Self-Efficacy in Secondary Education,” was chaired by Dr. Richard Whitehead.
Safreed’s successful defense sets the tone for what promises to be a meaningful and celebratory period for the eight members of Cohort 1, all of whom are on track to graduate this May. As the first group of candidates to complete the program, the cohort represents an important milestone in the continued growth and impact of West Liberty University’s EdD program.
The EdD program at West Liberty University was designed to support working professionals across education, leadership, and related fields by providing a rigorous, practice-focused doctoral experience. Throughout the program, candidates engage in applied research that addresses real-world challenges in schools, organizations, and communities. The dissertation defense represents the culmination of years of coursework, research development, data collection, and scholarly writing.
“Seeing our first candidate successfully defend her dissertation is an exciting moment for the entire program,” said Dr. Richard Whitehead, Chair of Education at West Liberty University. “Shawna’s accomplishment reflects the dedication, resilience, and scholarly commitment that defines this inaugural cohort. We are incredibly proud of the work these students have done and the impact their research will have in their professional fields.”
“As dean, I view this milestone as a deeply meaningful affirmation of the vision behind the EdD program,” said Dr. Sherri Theaker, Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance. “We set out to create a doctorate that prepares leaders to confront real challenges and lift the communities they serve, and the achievements of this inaugural cohort show that purpose coming to life. Their dedication and scholarship reflect the very heart of West Liberty University’s mission: empowering thoughtful, compassionate, and innovative leaders who strive each day to improve the lives of others through research, practice, and service.”
With Safreed’s defense setting the pace, the remaining members of Cohort 1 will continue defending their dissertations throughout the spring semester. Each defense represents the culmination of a multi-year research process in which candidates identify meaningful problems of practice, conduct rigorous inquiry, and develop research-based insights aimed at improving educational and organizational outcomes.
As the first cohort approaches graduation, the moment represents both a celebration of individual achievement and a defining milestone for the EdD program itself. The graduating candidates will join a growing network of scholar-practitioners committed to leadership, innovation, and positive change across the region and beyond.
West Liberty University looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of all eight candidates when Cohort 1 crosses the stage at commencement this May, marking the successful completion of the program’s first doctoral graduating class.
“Today’s milestone is profoundly meaningful for our EdD candidates and for West Liberty University as a whole,” said Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “This program represents an exciting step forward for the institution and reflects the strength of our academic offerings and our commitment to meeting the needs of our region. What makes this doctorate especially powerful is its practical focus: the research our candidates conduct directly influences the students in their classrooms, the staff they work alongside, and the leadership roles many of them hold. Seeing our first dissertation defense affirms the purpose behind this program and the impact it is already making. We are immensely proud of this inaugural cohort and look forward to the continued contributions they will bring to education, leadership, and organizational improvement across the region.”
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
