The College of Education was the first college at Eastern Michigan University to offer a doctoral degree (Ed.D.). The doctoral program in Educational Leadership recently honored its first 100 graduates. The reception this spring at University House coincided with the conferring of the 100th doctor of education degree. To commemorate this historic event, the graduates received a pin. Joannelle Long earned the first Ed.D. in April 1994. (The first program cohort, or class, of students began their studies in September 1991.)

Since the spring celebration, 12 more students have earned doctorates following the defense of their dissertations. Another two dozen have been selected as members of the 2006-07 cohort – 12 on campus/Livonia and 12 in the EMU/Grand Valley State University cooperative doctoral program in Grand Rapids.

Cohort members have seven years to complete the program.