Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is set to introduce a new Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership starting Fall 2026. This addition will complement its existing Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, which has been shaping leaders in education since 2012.
The new program aims to develop leaders across various fields, including business, non-profit, and government. The curriculum is tailored to help students create strategic plans and tackle organizational challenges. Graduates will be ready for high-level roles in diverse industries.
Dr. Troy Bethards, Dean of the Plaster College of Business and the College of Professional Programs, highlights the importance of this initiative. He points out that SBU has a long history of preparing professionals to be servant leaders in a fast-changing world.
Students will have two focus areas: general organizational leadership and non-profit leadership. They can also transfer up to 12 hours of master’s level credits toward their doctoral degree. Course topics include Applied AI for Problem Solving, Ethics and Critical Thinking, and Strategic Thinking. Each course will integrate these ideas with a Christian perspective.
To graduate, students will need to complete a Directed Research Project, including a proposal and a final defense before a committee. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of real-world issues.
As organizations face rapid changes, the need for effective leaders is greater than ever. According to a recent study, 70% of organizational change initiatives fail, highlighting the demand for skilled leaders who can adapt and lead effectively. SBU’s new program aims to fill that gap.
For those interested in applying for the Fall 2026 semester, they can reach out to the Office of Admissions at 417-327-5556 for more information.
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