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Doctor of Education

Collaboration, Mentorship at Doctoral ‘Bootcamp’

October 30, 2024

The gathering offered students a chance to meet for collaborative sessions

For doctoral students, dissertations can be the stuff of nightmares.

The culmination of years of research, the dissertation represents a doctoral student’s unique contribution to the academic community and the dissertation defense is oftentimes the final requirement of a doctoral degree program.

Put simply, it’s high stakes—and high stress.

But Chaminade Psychology Associate Professor Abby Halston says it doesn’t necessarily have to be, with the right mixture of planning, preparation and collaboration.

That’s why Halston and her colleagues organized a “dissertation bootcamp” over the summer for Chaminade’s Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology students.

The gathering offered cohort members—busy professionals who attend their doctoral courses online—a chance to meet in person for collaborative sessions and mentorship.


Looking for more Chaminade news? Read the latest issue of Chaminade Magazine here.


During the bootcamp, Halston said, attendees covered everything from online resources available for robust literature reviews to what’s required to meet the regulatory oversights for including human subjects in a research study.

They even took a campus tour, learning about Chaminade’s history along the way.

Halston said the central message of the gathering was simple: You’ve got this.

“Dissertations represent a huge piece of anxiety in doctoral programs,” she said, noting that her goal is to prevent students from failing to progress beyond the ABD—or “all but dissertation”—stage, when they’ve completed coursework but not the final requirement.

“This can be where doctoral students traditionally fall behind or fall through the cracks, especially without the right support,” Halston said, noting that the program works hard to weave dissertation conversations, research and milestones into every course.

She added that the dissertation bootcamp also served another purpose: To ensure that doctoral students, many of whom live on the neighbor islands, feel connected to Chaminade and its mission, their professors and their fellow cohort members.

Some 19 students are in the Ed.D. in Educational Psychology cohort, and all but five were able to attend the bootcamp. Among them was Susan Shinkawa, who serves as a behavioral health specialist for the state Department of Education’s Leeward District.

She said a “commitment to lifelong learning” inspired her to pursue a doctoral degree.

“Earning an Ed.D. represents personal fulfillment and satisfaction for both myself and my parents,” Shinkawa said, adding that she chose Chaminade because of its strong reputation, mission and values— plus the flexible program schedule.

In her dissertation, Shinkawa hopes to explore whether testing students’ perception of safety in their school environment impacts their performance on state tests.


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She said the bootcamp covered just about every question she had about the dissertation process.

Her favorite part of the day, though?

“I most enjoyed the fellowship with my classmates and collaborative sessions with faculty,” she said.

Jasmin Chang, also a behavioral health specialist with the DOE, said her dissertation will focus on interventions for traumatic grief and whether a manual for providers would enhance their perceived competencies and skills.

“I have always been passionate about learning and self-growth so I wanted to take on this exciting challenge,” Chang said, when asked what spurred her to pursue a doctoral degree at Chaminade.

“I wanted to use my education to expand my impact on the DOE in terms of systemic change, and I wanted to use my newly learned knowledge to improve my practice and better help the students and families I work with.”

She said she walked away from the dissertation bootcamp feeling more at ease and confident with the process and her next steps in her academic career.

“My favorite part of the day was simply seeing my classmates and professors in person,” she added

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Education, Featured Story, Homepage Tagged With: Doctor of Education

Doctoral Degree

May 24, 2024

Donna Kay Fisher is among the first cohort to earn her EdD

It started off as a great day for Kapolei Middle School teacher Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD. She was feeling good and in her typical element—surrounded by students. Mid-morning, she attended assembly with her eighth graders, played musical chairs on stage then returned to the classroom.

“Earlier in the morning, I felt a little weight on my neck, but I didn’t think anything of it,” said Fisher, a Hawaii Department of Education resource teacher in the Pearl City-Waipahu complex who earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD) in May. “But once I got to class, I started to feel dizzy.”

Not one to sit down while teaching, Fisher instructed her students that if she faints to get someone to help her. One of her students replied, “I think we need to get someone now.”

“I started to feel pain on my right arm,” Fisher recalled. “And then next thing I knew, I was on my way to Pali Momi in an ambulance with paramedics who were trying to stabilize me. The pain in my arm was so intense that I wanted the medics to cut it off.” By the way, that same right arm is now covered with a full-length tattoo of a koi swimming upstream against the current, which Fisher likens to her perseverance and strength to reach her destination.

Donna Kay Fisher '25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement.
Donna Kay Fisher ’25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement.

Diagnosed with a total occlusion, which is a complete or nearly complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries, Fisher saw the lights above her and thought to herself, “keep breathing, don’t end…not now.”

Meanwhile, her cardiologist explained that her chest pains meant she was experiencing a heart attack. Still conscious, Fisher combatively asked, “How do you know I’m having a heart attack, I am still awake.” But she wasn’t for long.

After undergoing a procedure to place two stents to unblock her arteries, Fisher was terrified of her chances—20 percent within five years—of suffering another heart attack, as warned by her physician. On the operating room table, she uttered, “but I never …” unable to complete her thought before being rendered unconscious.

Surgery was a success but now it was the long road to recovery. It would take Fisher a grueling six weeks before she even had the strength to shower on her own. In the meantime, her mood and thoughts spiraled into a series of “what ifs.” What if I never meet my grandkids? What if I can’t continue teaching? What if this is the rest of my life? What if I can’t move anymore?

But the one question that truly nagged at her was her inaction to upload and post her rap lessons—close to 200 of them—to YouTube.

“Now that I’ve had a heart attack, I have to stop chasing my dreams,” said Fisher, recounting her inner thoughts during recovery. “But instead of asking ‘Why me?’ I asked ‘Then who?’ I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

Now determined to attract some viewers on YouTube, the rap artist-teacher’s lessons were developed with the RhymeZone website, which helped her rhyme the words, and she chose a catchy beat on an automatic keyboard.

“Every lesson was crafted perfectly,” Fisher said. “I remember when I was a kid I would watch ABC’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ and I can still remember the songs, ‘Conjunction Junction, What’s Your Function” and, of course, ‘I’m Just a Bill.’ I hope my rap lessons are just as enduring.”

However, the most pivotal moment that occurred was when Fisher received a random mailer from Chaminade, inviting her to apply to the University’s new Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD). Being of Catholic faith, Fisher saw this as “God’s divine intervention.”

“I will never forget receiving that piece of mail,” Fisher said. “It completely changed my outlook on life. I was no longer going to limit myself and curtail my dreams. Instead, I was freeing myself from the chains of fear and reclaiming the pursuit of my dreams.”

In the years she spent pursuing her doctorate, Fisher was always the first in her inaugural EdD cohort to turn in every assignment—and always long before they were due. She finished with a 4.0 GPA, and she was chosen to be Chaminade’s 66th Commencement Ceremony graduate student speaker. Her rousing speech described her Chaminade journey, and she praised the University for providing remarkable opportunities.

“Before enrolling in this doctorate program, I thought I was a leader,” Fisher said. “But I was not; I was a task master. I thought I had all the answers, but I didn’t.”

Fisher freely admitted that Chaminade changed her leadership style—for the better. “Going through the classes in this program, I learned the value of opposition, other people’s voices and different perspectives,” said the former active duty Army officer. “My leadership now has forever changed. Now I ask what is our mission? What is our vision? Everything now is intentional, and I see myself as the facilitator. Thank you Chaminade.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Alumni, Catholic, Education, Homepage, Institutional Tagged With: Doctor of Education, Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change, Honors and Awards

Blessing Our New EdD Program

June 30, 2021

Doctor of Education inaugural cohort

The gathering celebrated the end of a long journey—and the beginning of so many others.

In a special ceremony on campus recently, some of the members of the inaugural cohort of Chaminade’s Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change joined with faculty members, administrators and others to mark the much-anticipated kickoff of the new program. 

Kumu Keahi Renaud delivered a Hawaiian blessing followed by Father Marty Solma, SM, Chaminade’s chaplain, who led attendees in prayer. Several Chaminade administrators then took to the microphone to touch on just how much planning and commitment it took to make the day a reality.

Speaking to incoming cohort members, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington said that the new doctoral degree program is “all about leadership.” She continued, “You come from such different perspectives. The richness of your learning together will be something very, very special.”

Indeed, the 33 members of the program’s first class hail from a diversity of backgrounds and professional interests. Dr. Hans Chun, director of education leadership programs, added there was particularly strong interest in the program in Hawaii. The majority of participants are in the islands.

Doctor of Education commemorative pin

The first term for the doctoral students, who will be learning fully online, begin July 6.

At the ceremony, students were given a commemorative coin with the Chaminade seal to mark the special day along with a kukui nut lei, signifying wisdom and enlightenment. Dr. Dale Fryxell, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences dean, also dedicated a turtle-shaped bench honoring the launch. He said the turtle represents knowledge and he hoped the symbolism inspired the doctoral students.

Dr. Lance Askildson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the journey students are embarking on is an exciting—and important—one. The program’s inaugural cohort will learn, work, and grow together over the course of three years, the expected completion time for the degree.

Askildson said the doctoral program is focused on leadership development across disciplines.

“But it’s also about leadership by some very courageous faculty and administrators—to bring this program forward after a number of years of advocacy,” Askildson said, speaking to the group. “The legacy that underlies … Chaminade University is of a brand of education holistic in nature, dedicated to educating the whole person, but driven by something more than just a transaction of knowledge.”

He said that individualized, whole-of-person experience is integrated into the program’s very curriculum.

And that, he added, is exactly what attracted so many professionals to the program.

To those incoming students, he said, “I applaud you and I congratulate you.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Featured Story, Students Tagged With: Doctor of Education

New Doctorate of Education Trains Leaders for Adaptation and Change

March 12, 2021

Professionals who are ready to step onto that highest rung of the educational ladder and earn a doctoral degree have a new online option.

Chaminade University’s new Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change is for working professionals in industries such as education, business and healthcare. The 60-credit program is being offered for the first time starting in July.

Dr. Dale Fryxell (dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences) standing in classroom

“We developed this program to meet the needs of busy, active, working adults who have careers and families,” says ​Dr. Dale Fryxell​, Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “An online program lets them fit school into their schedules because they can do the coursework on their own time. It just gives people so much more flexibility. It’s a more efficient way for busy people to get a degree and improve their opportunities as a professional.”

A Doctorate in Education helps people build an impressive skill set and advance their careers. It also generally means a higher pay level.

According to Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington, leadership is both an art and a science, and she says the new EdD program has a strong foundation in both.

“Here at Chaminade, we believe that transformational leaders are not born that way but are developed,” she says. “To that end, we designed our new, online EdD program to prepare students to become inspirational leaders who are extremely skilled at adapting to changing conditions and new variables while also motivating people and communities.”

That focus on adaptation and change is one factor that sets Chaminade’s new program apart from other EdD in Organizational Leadership programs. “Educating for adaptation and change” is one of the essential Marianist principles that guide Chaminade University in all its decision-making.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of pivoting and finding creative solutions, being skilled at working with adaptation and change has always been critical in organizational leadership and always will be.

EdD for educators, business professionals and leaders of indigenous-serving organizations

Chaminade’s new EdD program prepares students in organizational transformation for success, growth and positive impact in one of three concentrations—educational leadership, indigenous leadership or organization development.

The educational leadership track primarily targets experienced education professionals—teachers and administrators—who want to develop their leadership skills and advance in their careers. Fryxell says there are many career paths for those with a doctorate in education, including going into post-secondary education and becoming a professor or moving into administrative positions at K-12 or higher education schools. Others may become director of a religious organization or school or move up to a district- or state-level education position.

Dr. Blendine Hawkins teaching a class

The educational leadership concentration helps develop action-oriented leaders who are well-equipped to lead person-centered learning communities and promote social justice and positive change. Courses specific to this track include Leadership for Educational Administrators, and School Community Relations.

The indigenous leadership concentration focuses on preparing leaders, especially Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, who work in indigenous cultural organizations.

Fryxell points out there are different indigenous leadership styles and approaches to leading people. A positive aspect of this concentration is what he calls “cross-pollination,” or sharing how different cultural groups approach leadership or create pathways.

Specific courses in the track include Indigenous Leadership and Organizational Management, and Power, Politics and Policy: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives.

There is also an indigenous leaders speakers series, which students in any of the concentrations can attend to learn from indigenous leaders around the world.

Fryxell says it’s common for people on the U.S. mainland to follow the third track, an EdD in organization development, after earning an MBA.

“That’s what a lot of MBAs do,” he says. “They lead organizations. This program is an opportunity for them to focus even more on developing leadership skills, looking at and using data for decision-making and learning how to streamline their organization and make it more effective.”

The organization development track provides an interdisciplinary approach for professionals in the business, healthcare, nonprofit and public sectors who want to drive positive change and transform their organization for success.

Many nurses get an EdD in organization development, says Fryxell, and use that as a springboard into teaching at the college level. This concentration also attracts training and development managers, human resources personnel, nonprofit directors and high-level management staff. Its track-specific courses include Leading Organizational Change, and Consulting Skills.

Mentorship and real-world problem solving

Program directors will work closely with each student, looking at their career goals and aspirations and helping them plan their path through the doctorate.

Professor teaching online to her students

The fact that the new student-centered Chaminade EdD program is 100 percent online does not constrain its emphasis on mentorship. The program is designed to foster mentor relationships that promote personal growth, critical thinking and robust dialogue. In addition to working online with professors, students are also welcome to meet with them in-person on campus.

Every dissertation committee, chaired by the EdD director, will also consist of a faculty member and someone from the community. “For example, if a student is going to do their dissertation on, say, DOE leadership, they might ask an assistant superintendent to be on their dissertation committee; somebody that’s working in the field and really knows the field to help them through that process,” says Fryxell.

“Then they also have the faculty member who’s going to help them with the academic rigor, the writing process, and the dissertation development process,” he says. “And then the chair, the EdD director, who will shepherd them through the entire dissertation process, keeping them motivated and on target so they can get that dissertation done and finish up the program.”

He says a goal of the EdD program is for students to identify a real-world problem or issue that their organization—whether it’s a school, business or indigenous organization—is currently facing and turn that into a research project. They will determine the problem, come up with a testable hypothesis, research data about the problem and develop a solution. That allows them to come up with innovative solutions in a real-world setting.

“As they go along in leadership positions throughout their careers, they will have to make decisions,” he says. “And looking at an action research process will help them be good users of previous knowledge and data to take their organizations to where they want to lead them.”

All dissertation work happens as part of a student’s coursework, and students can finish the entire EdD program in 36 months.

Fryxell says the program is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to further his or her career and also advance themself as a person.

“I think they’ll be able to take what they learn in this program and make positive changes in everything they do. I think it’s going to be a great program and have a big impact, not only on our students but also on the community and Hawai‘i and across the Pacific.”

Networking and collaboration for resilient leadership

Throughout the EdD program, students will be able to participate in enrichment activities. A virtual brown bag series, for instance, will feature leaders who speak on various topics.

Virtual professional practice writing circles will break classes into small groups that can work together on their writing. “A lot of doctoral work involves writing,” says Fryxell, “and this way students can bounce their ideas and papers off their classmates.”

Dr. Hans Chun speaking

He stresses the importance of students supporting each other, discussing each other’s ideas, and being resources for each other.

“A lot of being successful throughout a career has to do with networking and your ability to form and keep relationships, so we’re hoping this program will really enhance that,” he says.

An EdD student organization will allow students to coordinate social or community service events, whether in-person when possible or else online. “We’re expecting there will be students from the mainland and from throughout the Pacific, but there will be various ways for them to connect.” 

An annual Research Symposium will provide opportunities to participate in local and national conferences, offering more opportunities for students to meet, interact and support one another.

Educating the whole person

While the academics at Chaminade are innovative, modern and up-to-date, it’s never only about academics. A central Chaminade principle, built into every academic program, is to educate the whole person.

“To be a well-rounded person and a good leader,” says Fryxell, “you have to have psychological strength, intellectual strength and certainly moral strength. You have to take care of your body through exercise and diet. With all our programs, we try to help people remember it’s not about any one area of your life. It’s really about improving all areas of your life in order to be a better, more effective person.”  

The school’s professors, themselves leaders and experts in their field and the community, aim to develop future leaders who lead with open minds and understanding in their hearts, are part of the solution, and make a difference in their community. Ideally, students not only move their careers forward but also become changemakers.

A Chaminade education is also about values and ethics, including social justice. That’s one of Chaminade’s defined values—educating for service, justice and peace—and it’s an important focus of the EdD program.

“The need for social justice is infused throughout our whole program,” he says, “because no matter what organization you’re working for or what environment you’re in, that’s what you have to keep top-of-mind: What am I doing to help my community? What am I doing to help my workers? How am I contributing to the betterment of mankind?”

Online EdD offers flexibility and access

“If there’s one thing we’ve all learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s how to pivot,” says Fryxell. “How to make things fit into our new lives. How to make it happen.”

As we move forward, he says, organizations also must adapt to new and continually changing environments and situations.

“What we hope to do in this program is really prepare students to be able to make those continuous changes they’re sure to face in their careers,” he says. “I think COVID brought this issue to the forefront—that you have to be adept at changing the way your organization does things, or your organization won’t survive. That’s why the ability to adapt and change is the focus of our entire program. But it’s not only because of COVID. Those abilities were important before the pandemic, and they’ll still be important afterward.”

He predicts we’re going to continue seeing significant changes at all levels of education as technology keeps moving forward.

“I think online programs will continue to grow and develop, and as technology advances and new software comes up, it will be amazing. We can do things online now that you couldn’t do even a year ago. Hardly anybody even knew what Zoom was one year ago.”

He says there’s already been a strong online presence at Chaminade for some time. “So many of our professors, including myself, have been teaching online since the beginning of online education. So with COVID and the forced move to technology, it just really had to do with bringing more people along into a modern online world. It’s something we’re really well-prepared for, and I think it’s going to keep evolving and developing.

“And at Chaminade, we’ll be there continuing to evolve and develop right along with it.”

For more information, see the EdD in Organizational Leadership. Applications for the first online EdD session, which starts on July 6, 2021, are due on June 18.

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Education, Featured Story, Innovation, Institutional Tagged With: Doctor of Education

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