Department of Leadership
Welcome to the Department of Leadership! We are comprised of two academic programs — Leadership and Policy Studies (LDPS) and Higher Ed/Adult Education (HIAD). Both prepare current and aspiring leaders with necessary skills to excel in a variety of leadership positions, including K-12 school administrators, district superintendents, higher education administrators, and leaders of government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and industry.
Excellence is not just what we strive for; it's what we do. Our faculty have received national and international recognition for their work, published a wide range of research, engaged in national and international outreach and service projects, and demonstrated a wide variety of practitioner experiences. As student-centric educators, we strive to prepare you for excellence as an educator, practitioner, researcher or school/university leader. Begin your path to leadership with the Department of Leadership today.
Department Vision
The Department of Leadership cultivates innovative scholar-practitioners, through rigorous, innovative educational programming in Leadership, who become premier leaders that make meaningful, sustainable contributions to the global workforce and societies in which they lead and serve.
Alison Happel-Parkins
Interim Chair and Associate Professor
Email | 901.678.2369
Office: Ball Hall 123
Our Programs:
Leadership and Policy Studies
Learn more about LDPSHigher Ed/Adult Education
Learn More about HIAD
Want to begin your path to leadership with the Department of Leadership? If you would like to apply for Higher Education, our deadline is April 1st, and your classes will start in the Fall of that year.
Where We Can Take You
Our graduates serve as:
- Community College Presidents
- Higher Education Vice Presidents
- Deans, Associate Deans, and Assistant Deans
- Department Chairpersons
- Faculty Members
- Researchers
- Student Affairs Administrators
- Educational Program Directors
- Health Services Administrators
- Community Organization and Non-profit Directors
- Human Resources Administrators
Academic Program Rankings
Our programs are ranked among the top in the nation, based on both quality and affordability.
Intelligent's #9 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education Program
(LEAD's EdD of Education in Higher & Adult Education)
BestValueSchools #13 Best Doctorate in Education Degrees
(LEAD's EdD of Education in Higher & Adult Education)
GetEducated's #20 Cheapest Online Doctorate in Higher Education
(LEAD's EdD of Education in Higher & Adult Education)
MyDegreeGuide's #21 Best Online Doctoral Program in Higher Education
(LEAD's EdD of Education in Higher & Adult Education)
Questions?
Have questions about the Leadership program or degrees? We're here to help. Give us a call at 901.678.2369 or email us. If you are a current student that needs to set up an advising appointment, please email Melynda Whitwell.