FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University’s doctor of education in educational leadership (Ed.D.) program has been accepted into the Holmes Scholars Program. A component of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), the Holmes program supports racially or ethnically diverse students enrolled in doctoral studies in education.
The AACTE was founded in 1943 and is a leading voice for educator preparation. The organization represents more than 600 postsecondary institutions dedicated to high-quality, evidence-based instruction that ensures educators are ready to teach all types of learners. The AACTE’s mission is to elevate education through research, professional practice, advocacy and collaboration.
The Holmes Scholars Program has existed since 1991, when it was started by the Holmes Group―later called the Holmes Partnership―a consortium of universities working to address the underrepresentation of minorities among America’s educators. When the Holmes Partnership dissolved in 2010, the AACTE took over the program to continue offering peer support, mentorship and professional development opportunities to minorities.
“By participating in the Holmes Scholars Program, we extend diversity, equity and inclusion work that intensified with our doctoral students of color affinity group in 2021,” said David Title, SHU’s Ed.D. program director. “Two students of color will receive their Ed.D. this May, and we are excited that our future doctoral students will have access to the networking, mentoring and professional learning that the Holmes Scholars Program offers.
“Students will forge professional relationships with colleagues and other professionals of color that will last a lifetime,” Title said. “We are honored that the Holmes Scholars Program has recognized the quality of our doctoral program, and we are excited to join.”
###
About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 387 Colleges–2022 Edition, “Best Northeastern” and Best Business Schools–2021 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu