From Vision to Reality

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is set to launch its inaugural doctoral program, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, in fall 2026. This marks the culmination of years of preparation and planning that went into developing the doctorate. This new program aims to cultivate leaders in education who are grounded in equity, ethics and practical skills.

Behind the development of the Ed.D., the motivation is deeply personal for the team involved.

“Our team has been working on this for many years, and to actually have it come to fruition is so rewarding,” said Dr. Elisabeth Krimbill, an associate professor in the Department of Educator and Leadership Preparation. “We all are committed to supporting scholar practitioners who take educational theories and the work of others and put them into practical applications in schools.”

Dr. Emma Savage-Davis, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, said the new doctoral program marks a transformative moment for both the University and the region. 

“With a bold focus on leadership across the entire PK–12 spectrum, this degree redefines what it means to lead in education. From classroom teachers to district administrators, this program empowers every educator to see themselves as change-makers by equipping them with the knowledge, vision and skills to inspire progress at every level.”  

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program, informed by feedback from alumni and community partners, will offer five distinct “strands,” or specializations: District Leadership, Multidisciplinary Approaches to Leadership, Special Education Leadership, Early Childhood Leadership, and Bilingual Education Leadership. They will also have the option to earn a Texas Superintendency certification along the way.

“With a bold focus on leadership across the entire PK–12 spectrum, this degree redefines what it means to lead in education." ~Dr. Emma Savage-Davis

Each specialization will maintain a cohort of 15–20 students, ensuring personalized attention and strong faculty support. Only one cohort will be admitted per year to ensure the program grows intentionally. All students must hold a master’s degree to apply.  

In developing the focus areas, A&M-San Antonio worked with the ASPIRE Partnership, a collaboration the University has with seven South Bexar County Independent School Districts to develop educational programs and services for local students. The ASPIRE school superintendents helped identify the type of educational leaders the community needs. The program prepares students for various leadership roles within schools and districts, including principals, superintendents, curriculum leaders and parent and community engagement.

Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, all courses will be delivered online in a synchronous format, allowing full-time educators and district professionals to participate in evening or weekend classes without disrupting their careers. While initially targeting educators from ASPIRE districts, the online format will also attract participants from across Texas.

Throughout the program, students will engage in in-person symposiums and collaborative events, gaining practical experience through partnerships with school superintendents. The curriculum will also integrate emerging technologies, most notably artificial intelligence, emphasizing its ethical application as a critical thinking tool.

“This is an innovative new doctoral program that will help prepare our students for critical leadership roles in educational settings,” said University Provost and Vice President Mohamed Abdelrahman. “The program is part of the University’s overall mission to support the community through engagement and collaboration and to help maximize educational opportunities for everyone.”