Marshalliedu Graduate School of Education & Professional Development Office of Doctoral Programs in Education Sune 19, 2012 Ms. Kelli Epling 34 Broadway Gardens Nitro, WV 25143 Dear Kelli; This is to confirm your appointment for an interview with the faculty as the final piece of your application for the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Public School Administration, ‘You are scheduled to interview at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Your interview will be held in Room 226 at Marshall University Graduate College, South Charleston. Meet me in my office, cubicle 201A, and I will direct you to the interview. Expect to spend about 30 to 45 minutes with the committee which will consist of 4-8 faculty members, Please read the Doctoral Student/Faculty Handbook, found on the website www.marshall.edu/gsepd/edd/ so you have a basic understanding of the Ed.D. program prior to your interview. Be prepared to elaborate on the information you provided in your vita and goal statement focusing specifically on your educational experiences, what you hope to gain from the doctoral experience, and your goals/plans for utilization of the degree. Some of the faculty’s discussion points may include your philosophy of educational leadership, your research interests if any, and how you reflect critically on your practice, They will answer any questions you have for them as well. Please contact me at thomae@marshall.edu or (304)746-8949 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Edna Thomas ‘Administrative Secretary Senior Doctoral Programs in Education We Are... MARSHALL. ‘Wot Vigna 253031600» Tel 304/16949 + Fax 304/6961982 100 Angas. ton Di So gn An eae AE pit nl "A Sete Unies Wes Vii * RE06/27/2012 18:81 3847461942 MARSHALL UNIV GSEPD PAGE Epling 1 ‘The personal strengths that make me an excellent candidate for this program are my dedication to the field of education, organizational and problem solving skills, and my ability to communicate. Throughout my life, I have always been a people person, communicating and working with others is what makes me happiest. Teaching and learning is my passion; [have a desire to transform educational practices while gaining a deeper understanding of student and teacher necds. Another strength that | possess is the ability to look at problems holistically making me an effective mediator of conflict, To be efficient, 1 stay organized and plan ahead. I ‘am very detail oriented which helps me resolve issues before they become a problem. Five to ten years from now, I see myself still being passionate about teaching and Jeaming. I have been blessed to find a job that makes me happy every day and I will continue in this field. I want to continue my education to ensure that I am the best instructional Jeader that I can be. As the principal of a middle school, I want to be able to share not only experience but also research based knowledge attained through this doctoral program, Attaining a doctorate degree will signify to others that I am dedicated to my profession, and show that I have high standards for myself, my staff, and my students. ‘What I desire most from this program is to be provided with new skills and strategies that will prepare me to lead and guide my staff and students to continued successes.Te SESS RL 06/27/2812 10:01 3047451942 MARSHALL UNIV GSEPD PAGE 02/84 Epting 1. Kelli Epling 901204604 Goal Statement Itis hard for me to fathom that while creating a ten year plan, I must imagine myself in the year 2022. This very idea fills my head with images straight out of a Ray Bradbury Science Fiction novel, As I look ahead, I see myself immersed in education because my passion and love for teaching and learning allows me to be excited about going to work every day. Over the last few years, [have had a variety of experiences that have allowed me to grow not only 2s an educational leader but also as a person. have found that school leaders are continually given scenarios that involve moral and ethical questions. When placed in these situations, I have found guidance from others who have more experience than I. During these times, 1 find myself hoping to one day be that guide for furure leaders. 1 recognize that networking and relationships are crucial in this profession, snd I feel that the doctoral program will give me an opportunity to collaborate and build a foundation of indispensable professional relationships that will have lasting benefits for decades to come. I plan to spend the next five years working as an Assistant Principal and completing the doctoral program. [aspire to be a Middle Schoo! Principal in Kanawha County and a college professor. A doctorate in Leadership will make me more marketable, give me the knowledge ts tect te cl ee nd geen fasten eosin |, training. Ooch’ your ar