Thirty-one professionals are now celebrating the second anniversary of a three-year program, leading to a doctorate in education (Ed.D.). As a part of the anniversary, the cohort is hosting a half-day conference under the theme “Cause an Effect: Leading change in an era of Globalization.”, on July 16, 2009 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina with participation from the Ministry of Education, University of Belize, University of Columbia, and Nova Southeastern University.
The students are undertaking dissertation topics that promise to build learning environments and contribute to the country’s social, human resource, and leadership capabilities. In July, 2007 the candidates embarked on this unprecedented opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees in education and leadership, without the need to leave Belize, their jobs, families, or service to their communities. The Ed.D prepares professional leaders to competently identify and solve complex problems in learning organizations. The program emphasizes the development of thoughtful and reflective practitioners.
The doctoral program is offered through Nova Southeastern University (NSU), located in Fort-Lauderdale, Florida. NSU is offering the program through its Fischler School of Education and Human Services, with endorsement from Belize’s Ministry of Education in collaboration with the University of Belize, which is the coordinating institution and site provider. The 31-strong Belizean cohort is pursuing doctorates in education in choices from three cognates: Organizational Leadership, Higher Education, and Instructional Technology in Distance Education.
The program is delivered through blended instruction, with NSU professors conducting 16-hour on-site weekend sessions in Belize, on-line research, synchronous communications (live-chats), asynchronous communications (threaded discussions and blogging), and consultations. As the program enters its third year, the doctoral candidates are completing concept papers and proposals before intervention. Participants come from a variety of organizations and backgrounds including private and public sectors, statutory bodies, and non-governmental organizations. The doctoral candidates hold key positions in Belize in the areas of education, tourism, business, management, health, social services and culture.
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and is one of the largest accredited schools of education in the United States. Its history includes more than thirty years in facilitating distance education, and it serves more than fifteen thousand (15,000) international students annually. It is expected that a second cohort of doctoral students will commence studies later this year in Belize.
Press Release
