Julie Willoughby graduated from OAESA with Concordia University Chicago (CUC) with a Ph.D. in School Leadership in 2016 and currently works as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Urbana City Schools in Urbana, Ohio, but will soon be transitioning into her new role as Superintendent for Allen East Local Schools in Harrod, Ohio. As an educator stepping into this new leadership milestone, we asked Julie to tell us about her time pursuing her doctoral degree at OAESA.
When asked about her experiences in the program, Julie shared…
The OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program prepared me exceptionally well for the roles I have served in—as a principal, central office administrator, and now as a superintendent. Although CUC is located in a different state from where I reside, I felt a strong sense of connection to the university through OAESA’s support and my cohort experience. The program provided an excellent balance between theory and practice, allowing me to immediately apply my learning to my professional work.
One of the most impactful aspects of the program was my dissertation, which focused on teachers’ understanding of Ohio’s Five-Step Process within the Ohio Improvement Process. This work deepened my understanding of the teacher’s role and reinforced the powerful benefits of shared leadership in driving school improvement.
I also experienced an extraordinary level of support during the dissertation process. My chair and co-chairs guided me every step of the way. Having Dr. Julie Davis, then OAESA Executive Director, serving as one of my co-chairs was especially meaningful—it strengthened my connection to OAESA and the program. It was a true honor to have her hood me on graduation day.
Earning my PhD in Educational Leadership was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Adding to its significance, my husband, John Willoughby, also graduated from the CUC/OAESA program, earning his Master’s in School Administration. Sharing that milestone together—walking at the same graduation ceremony—made the experience even more memorable.
I can confidently say that for Ohio educators seeking a principal license, superintendent license, or a PhD, the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program offers a supportive, connected, and highly relevant educational experience that meaningfully enhances both current practice and future leadership opportunities.
About OAESA’s Ph.D. in School Leadership
Designed specifically for working educational professionals, the Ph.D. in School Leadership program bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world administrative practice.
Key features of the program include:
- Practicing Administrator Focus: Curriculum tailored to equip educators for advanced roles as principals, central office administrators, and superintendents.
- Strong Cohort Support: A connected, community-driven learning environment that provides robust mentorship and guidance through every stage of the program, including dedicated dissertation support.
- Immediate Practical Application: Relevant coursework and dissertation research designed to directly impact and improve daily educational leadership, school improvement initiatives, and district-level decision-making.
To learn more about earning your principal license, superintendent license, or Ph.D. through OAESA, explore our program offerings.