Inaugural Cohort of Executive Doctorate Completes Integrated Dissertation Experience

Transforming Leadership Through Research: The Ed.D. Program’s Integrated Dissertation Experience

At Saint Francis University, the path to a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Innovation is not just about earning a credential—it’s about applying knowledge with purpose. The Class of 2025, our inaugural Francis 2022 Cohort of Ed.D. graduates, exemplifies this mission through their exceptional research, made possible by the program’s integrated dissertation model.

Designed for working professionals, the Executive Doctor of Education program offers career-aligned concentrations across multiple industries, including business, education, healthcare, nonprofit management, and more. These specializations allow students to tailor their research and leadership development to the challenges and innovations most relevant to their field.

A Dissertation Journey That Begins on Day One

Unlike traditional doctoral programs where dissertation work begins late in the curriculum, the Ed.D. program at Saint Francis integrates dissertation development throughout its three-year structure. From their very first residency, students begin identifying real-world challenges in their professional contexts and refining questions that evolve into impactful dissertation projects.

“We built the dissertation into the DNA of the program. Students receive guidance, feedback, and structure every step of the way. This integration not only ensures they graduate on time but also that their research is actionable, timely, and deeply rooted in their leadership practice.”

Applied Research, Meaningful Impact

Each graduate of the Francis 2022 Cohort tackled a real-world issue, bridging scholarship and practice across industries—from education and healthcare to nonprofit management and cultural leadership. These dissertations represent the program’s commitment to values-based, transformational leadership.

A Model for Future Scholar-Practitioners

The success of this inaugural cohort marks a defining moment for Saint Francis University. The integrated dissertation experience not only ensured that each graduate completed a rigorous capstone project—it also fostered research that is timely, ethical, and impactful.

With these graduates leading the way, future cohorts will benefit from a strong foundation of applied research, community-driven innovation, and values-based leadership.

2025 Ed.D. Graduates, Dissertation Titles & Committees

• Dr. William A. Aurandt
  NCAA Individual Profitability Legislation and Impact on Perceived Definition of the Amateur Athlete
  Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Patrick Farabaugh, Dr. Amy Brown
• Dr. Joseph A. Coray
  Exploring the Interplay Between Teal Practices and Familiness on Performance and Succession Outcomes in Family-Owned Small Businesses
  Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. John Miko, Dr. Kent Tonkin
• Dr. Mark J. DeRubeis
  Exploring Teachers' Perceptions of How Principal Candidates Are Identified and Selected and Its Influence on Motivation
  Committee: Dr. Melissa Peppetti (chair), Dr. Matthew Thomas, Dr. Stephanie Ivory
• Dr. Anthony J. DeRubis
  The Role of Servant Leadership in Enhancing Teacher Morale and Reducing Attrition in Public Education
  Committee: Dr. Matthew Thomas (chair), Dr. Robin Cadwallader, Dr. Susan Anderson
• Dr. Douglas J. Fleegle
  Measuring Purposeful Rounding Practices by Staff and Its Impact on Operations to Better Understand Fall Rates, Readmission Rates, and Nursing Turnover
  Committee: Dr. Randy Frye (chair), Dr. Pete Skoner, Mr. Allen Buchta
• Dr. Sherri L. Fredlock
  Standing Out in the Group: How Generation Z Is Motivated in Small Independent Funeral Homes
  Committee: Dr. Leah Spangler (chair), Dr. Kellie Hobbs, Dr. Barry Lease
• Dr. Hannah E. Harley
  Unraveling the Leadership Dynamics of Alfred Stieglitz: A Study of His Influence on Transatlantic Cultural Collaboration During 1910–1918 Using Correspondence Case Studies
  Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Denise Damico, Dr. Matthew Conboy
• Dr. Genaro C. Iglesias
  Well-Being Through Mindfulness: Mitigating First Responder Stress and Allostatic Load with the Healthy Minds Framework
  Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Mark Buckwalter, Mr. Jay Roberts
• Dr. Nicole C. Itle
  Exploring the Influence of Mentoring Relationships on SECI Knowledge Sharing Practices: A Qualitative Analysis of ICU Nurses
  Committee: Dr. Amy Hudkins (chair), Dr. Matthew Thomas, Dr. Gabriel Beam
• Dr. Sherri L. Link
  Exploring Authenticity: The Impact on Authentic Leadership on Organizational Culture, Employee Motivation, and Job Satisfaction
  Committee: Dr. Kerri Golden (chair), Dr. Tricia McFadden, Dr. Susan Makosy
• Dr. Tammy L. Miceli
  How Do Experienced Pre-licensure Nursing Faculty Define Qualified BSN Pre-licensure Clinical Nursing Faculty?
  Committee: Dr. Tricia McFadden (chair), Dr. Leah Spangler, Dr. Mindy Guinard
• Dr. Brandi L. Penatzer
  A Mixed Method Study to Investigate Athletic Trainers' Perceptions and Experiences with Telemedicine on a Rural College Campus for the Assessment and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
  Committee: Dr. Donald Walkovich (chair), Ms. Melissa Anna, Mr. Jay Roberts
• Dr. Allison P. Ritchey
  Empowering Post-Secondary Leaders: The Significance of Training in Student Assessment
  Committee: Dr. Pete Skoner (chair), Dr. Melissa Peppetti, Dr. Kellie Hobbs
• Dr. Jo-Ann Semko
  Student Growth Models: See Every Child
  Committee: Dr. Brennan Thomas (chair), Dr. John Woznak, Dr. Donna Messner
• Dr. Justin M. Skipper
  Authentic Leadership Among PADI Professionals: Facilitating Awareness, Growth, and Development
  Committee: Dr. Patrick Crawford (chair), Dr. Gail Drus, Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald
• Dr. Pamela J. Sprigler
  A Mixed Methods Study to Examine What Factors Impact Effective Teacher-Parent Communication in an Urban Catholic Middle School
  Committee: Dr. Brennan Thomas (chair), Dr. Patrick Crawford, Sr. JoAnn Hohenbrink O.P., Ph.D.