CIRCLE: Building Community, Individuals and Respect: Creating Leaders of Excellence

the EdD Program at Texas A&M University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2026.553

Keywords:

Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate-informed EdD program (CPED), CPED principle alignment, community, doctoral education

Abstract

In this article, we describe how the online EdD program in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University underwent a transformative redesign that led to its being recognized as the Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED). We detail the program's evolution from its 2009 inception, its structured pedagogical approach, and the comprehensive self-study process that identified the key features of this redesign which centered on human connection over static online communication. The resulting innovation, the CIRCLE model (Community, Individuals, Respect, Creating Leaders, Excellence), is presented as a theoretically grounded framework aligned with CPED principles. This redesign has fostered a vibrant, community-oriented ecology, leading to significant improvements in student retention and the development of scholar-practitioner-leaders. Evidence of impact is demonstrated through positive student survey outcomes, and compelling testimonials from students and faculty, showcasing the program's profound influence on individuals, the institution, and the communities served by its graduates.

Author Biography

Radhika Viruru, Texas A&M University

Clinical Professor, Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843.

References

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Viruru, R., Zentell, S., Hutchins, S., Williams, J., & Irby, B. (2026). CIRCLE: Building Community, Individuals and Respect: Creating Leaders of Excellence: the EdD Program at Texas A&M University . Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 11(2), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2026.553

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Reimagining the EdD: Innovations from the 2024 CPED Program of the Year Winner and Finalists

Section

Themed-Exemplary Program of the Year Finalists

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Radhika Viruru, Sydney Zentell, Shaun Hutchins, John Williams, Beverly Irby

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