Doctorate of Education
Jeanetta Searcy-Cooper has been in the education realm for over 29 years. She is currently the Vice Principal at Horizon Science Academy Twin Cities in Richfield, MN. After holding positions such as a Childcare Director, Education Director, Education Coordinator, Principal, and more, she decided to pursue her doctoral degree in education to become a better leader in her field and to see where it might take her next.
“Now that I am in the Doctoral program, my goal has shifted, and I would like to become a full-time professor or a Dean of Students on a college or university campus one day. CSP has genuinely helped me define my goal. I believe that my goals were smaller at one time, but now, having been through almost two CSP programs, I know I have been given the tools to do anything I set my mind to.”
Searcy-Cooper talks about the importance of education and the impact it can have on those she serves. She says that the skills she has learned as a leader, the things she looks for in other leaders, and the value she places on leadership all inform how she interacts with others, especially those who look to her as a leader.
“Education is one of the most important factors in my life. I know that I would not be the person I am without the growth I have received from my education.”
Her studies within the Ed.D. program are centered around people. More specifically, Searcy-Cooper is focusing on the challenges that women of color experience in leadership roles within K-12 education, an issue she says she has faced herself.
“I love helping, advising, encouraging, and guiding people, especially educators. What the Ed.D. program has done has helped me to realize that it is something I am good at and should take ownership of.”
As a current student in CSP’s Ed.D. program, the structure of CSP’s doctoral program allows Searcy-Cooper to continue to grow in her professional career while being a part of a rigorous academic program.
“I know without a doubt that if I could not complete this degree as I did my Master’s degree online that there is a huge chance I would not complete it all. Without the flexibility of the program and the compassion of the CSP faculty, it would be very difficult to find the time to complete such a degree program.”