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Take your leadership skills to the next level!

Are you an experienced educator or organizational leader ready to take your impact to the next level? Do you crave the skills to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions backed by rigorous research? Madonna University's Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation (EdD) program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to become a transformative leader in today's ever-evolving educational and organizational landscape. 

Education Needs You! 

$100,000

Is the average salary for many postsecondary teachers.

 

24%

Expected job growth in many sectors of postsecondary teaching through 2031. 

 

118,800

Job openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average

 

Shape the Future of Education 

Our research-intensive curriculum, informed by current best practices and emerging trends, delves into crucial areas like:

  • Strategic planning and program assessment: Learn to effectively evaluate and optimize organizational performance for long lasting success
  • Leading teaching and learning: Master the art of cultivating dynamic learning environments that foster student engagement and achievement. 
  • Data-informed leadership: Leverage data analysis to make informed decisions and data-driven improvements. 
  • Collaboration and consultation for community engagement: Develop collaborative leadership skills to build strong partnerships and community engagement.
  • Legal and ethical issues in educational policy: Navigate the legal and ethical complexities of educational leadership with confidence. 

Customize Your Learning Journey

Choose from a variety of elective courses to align your program with your specific goals and interests, such as: 

  • Research and educational practice: Deepen your research skills and apply them to solve real-world educational challenges. 
  • Organizational leadership and HR management: Develop expertise in human resource management practices for effective team building and talent development. 
  • Leadership in technology: Explore the power of technology in education and organizations. 
research and educational practice in text with an icon of a book and magnifying glass
organizational leadership and hr management in text with a graphic icon of three people
leadership in technology in text with an icon of a computer and a cloud on the screen

Investing in Your Future

Earning an EdD in Leadership & Innovation is an investment in your professional growth and leadership potential. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to:

  • Secure leadership positions in P-12 schools, community colleges, public and private universities, non-profit organizations, and other human service organizations. 
  • Drive positive change by implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges. 
  • Command higher earning potential as a highly qualified and sought-after leader.
  • Make a lasting impact on the lives of your students, colleagues, and communities. 
Two students at a table with a teacher

Ready to take your leadership to the next level?

Contact Madonna University's graduate admissions team today to learn more about our EdD in Leadership & Innovation program and start your journey to becoming a visionary leader. 

LEARN MORE »

 

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Faculty Bios

Anne-Marie SladewskiProgram Director, Assistant Professor

B.S. Central Michigan University

M.A. University of St. Joseph 

Ed.S. Oakland University

Ed.D. Michigan State University

asladewski@madonna.edu

734-432-5651, 2230H

Anne-Marie Sladewski

Anne-Marie Sladewski is the Program Director and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. She joined the full-time faculty of Madonna University in 2023. She received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Experienced professor and school-based and central office administrator with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education Her research interests include collective responsibility on educational partnerships and improved learner outcomes.

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Michele HarmalaAdjunct Associate Professor

B.S. Eastern Michigan University

M.A. Wayne State University

Ed.S. Wayne State University

Ph.D. Wayne State University

mharmala@madonna.edu

734-432-5651

Michele Harmala

Leading to inspire learning, growth, and service!  Experienced professor and superintendent with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education and the education management industry. Strong organizational professional skilled in Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Talent Development and Performance Improvement, Program Evaluation, Instructional Design, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking.  Experienced professor with demonstrated history of developing and facilitating adult learning and scholarship in both online and face-to-face settings.

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Sue Ann SharmaInterim Dean for College of Education and Human Development,
Professor

B.S. University of Michigan – Flint

M.S. Oakland University

Ed.S. Oakland University

Ph.D. Oakland University

sasharma@madonna.edu

734-432-5785, 2230D

Sue Ann Sharma

Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Madonna University. Previously she served as the Graduate Education Chair for the Education Division of the College of Education and Human Development. Her career in higher education was preceded by extensive leadership experience in education at school and central office levels. Additionally, she has state-level leadership as the President of Michigan Reading Association.

Passionate about educational excellence, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to preparing teachers to address the diverse needs of learners. Her commitment extends to developing instructional literacy leaders, contributing to the future of education. As an advocate for literacy, she has actively served on the International Reading Association's Literacy Reform Task Force and Michigan Reading Association Board of Directors.

Sharma's academic pursuits focus on early childhood education, culturally responsive pedagogies, digital curation, and online teaching and learning. Through her research, she aims to advance knowledge in these critical areas, contributing to the ongoing evolution of effective educational practices. A respected figure in academia, Dr. Sue Ann Sharma continues to inspire and shape the educational landscape, leaving an indelible mark through her leadership, research, and commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and learning.

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Karen ObsniukEducation Consultant, Professor

B.S. Wayne State University

M.A. Wayne State University

Ph.D. Wayne State University

kobsniuk@madonna.edu

734-432-5648

Karen Obsniuk

Karen L. Obsniuk, Ph.D., is an Education Consultant in the Education Division of the College of Education and Human Development. She joined the faculty of Madonna University in 1996. Previously, she was the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development. Before that she was adjunct faculty, while working in K-12 schools as a teacher and school administrator. She completed her doctoral degree in Administration and Supervision, with a cognate in curriculum, and her M.A. in English Literature, at Wayne State University. She teaches in the areas of educational practice and action research.

Her interests include educational change, K-12 student behavior, literacy intervention with at-risk students, and quality of work life issues for teachers. Her research has been mixed methods research primarily with pre-service and in-service teachers, school administrators, and EL learners. She is actively engaged in the field of education through her work at the State and local levels, serving on State committees and a local board. 

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Les

Sharon

Assistant Professor

B.S. Northern Michigan University 

M.A. Eastern Michigan University 

Ed. S. Wayne State University 

Ph.D. Eastern Michigan University 

lsharon@madonna.edu

734-432-5334, Room 2230F

Les

Sharon

Dr. Les Sharon is the Director of the Masters of Science in Transformational Educational Leadership and the Director of Student Teaching. His professional background includes thirty-three years in K-12 education as a special education teacher, general education teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, and building principal. His work focuses on the formal preparation of future educational leaders that will someday transform struggling schools into effective, high-achieving learning communities that meet the needs of all students. He received his PhD in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University and holds endorsements in elementary and secondary administration, general education (K-8 all-subjects), and special education including cognitively impaired and learning disabilities.

Dr. Sharon’s research interests include examining the role status functions play in school organizations as they relate to curriculum enactment as well as role of language in effective school leadership. He works closely with the Beijing Comparative Educational Institute and with colleagues at the Xi’an University to provide educational opportunities for school leaders and teachers all over China. Dr. Sharon served as an adjunct professor before joining Madonna University full-time as an assistant professor.

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