Community College Leadership Doctorate (Ed.D.) at Kansas State University
Transformative Leadership for Today's Community Colleges
The Community College Leadership Doctorate (Ed.D.) at Kansas State University prepares leaders to meet the challenges facing today’s community colleges. Offered through the John E. Roueche Center for Community College Leadership within K-State’s College of Education, this nationally recognized program is designed for working professionals who aspire to lead transformational change in higher education.
Community colleges sit at the heart of America’s educational and workforce pipeline. They provide access, opportunity and pathways to success for millions of students.
But the challenges they face — from funding and equity gaps to enrollment shifts and policy pressures — require leaders who are bold, collaborative and ready to transform institutions.
That’s what the Community College Leadership Doctorate (Ed.D.) at K-State is designed to do. The nationally recognized program equips current and aspiring leaders with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to drive meaningful change.
"After every class session, you're going to have something that you can immediately apply to the work that you're doing, to improve it and think about things in a different way that really provides value to yourself and to your college."
– Stacy Witten
Community College Leadership Program participant
A Program Designed for Working Professionals
You’re already leading — balancing commitments to your students, institution and community. That’s why this K-State Ed.D. is structured to meet you where you are.
- Three-year completion: Earn your doctorate in 60 credit hours.
- Leadership learning community: Learn alongside peers who share common goals and challenges. Join a broad-based community of learners from community colleges located across the U.S. and abroad.
- Flexible delivery: Courses blend online learning, Zoom discussions and two week-long summer leadership institutes.
- Applied learning: Projects (team and individual), internships and research are rooted in your institution’s real challenges and opportunities.
Learn while you lead. This format allows you to continue working full-time while completing your degree — turning your college into a learning laboratory where classroom insights become immediate solutions.
"I've already been talking to colleagues about this program, and one thing that I've been emphasizing to them is that it's doable. I know there's concerns about working full-time and not having enough time to pursue a program. However, this program has been very flexible and supportive."
– Yolanda Benally
Community College Leadership Program participant
Faculty Who Understand Your World
The K-State Community College Leadership doctorate is taught by experienced leaders who have served as community college presidents, vice presidents and senior administrators. They bring real-world perspectives to every class, helping you connect theory to practice.
Additionally, the program incorporates guest lecturers and mentors from across the country, providing opportunities to learn directly from those who are shaping the future of higher education.
The program founded by Dr. John E. Roueche, one of the nation’s most respected voices in community college leadership, continues his legacy of innovation and service.
"When we went through the initial listening session for the program, the way the program was described—from the caliber of instructors to the dissertation process and how they partner with the students—was what helped me make the final decision."
– Gregory Hughes
Community College Leadership Program participant
A Curriculum Built Exclusively for Community Colleges
Unlike broader education leadership programs, the K-State Ed.D. in Community College Leadership is 100% focused on community colleges.
Every course is designed to address the real challenges of today’s institutions, from student access and equity to governance, finance and institutional transformation.
Courses cover:
- Access, equity and student success
- Governance, policy and finance
- Organizational culture and leadership for transformation
- Evidence-based planning and accountability
- Advocacy, fundraising and industry partnerships
Dissertation support is built into the program from the beginning, helping you connect your coursework, field studies and applied research into a project that advances both your institution and your career.
Beyond the Classroom: Leadership Institutes & Networking
Community colleges serve as your learning laboratory. Real-world projects, internships and applied research ensure that the tools you gain in class can be put into practice immediately at your institution. Leadership institutes, site visits and national networking opportunities further enrich your experience.
Two summer leadership institutes bring your learning to life. You’ll:
- Visit community and technical colleges
- Meet presidents, trustees and policy leaders
- See best practices in action
- Network with your peers and other leaders nationwide
These experiences complement your coursework and strengthen the relationships that will support you throughout your career.
"I would refer this program to any colleague because we are getting taught by world-class community college leaders, it is flexible, and you are in a cohort model. Networking is just priceless."
– Nicole Graves
Community College Leadership Program participant
A National Network of Leaders
Every cohort includes professionals from across the country with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This collaborative environment challenges you to see problems in new ways and develop innovative solutions.
From your faculty to your classmates, you’ll build lifelong connections with community college leaders across the country. With a strong alumni network and mentoring support built into the program, you’ll be part of a professional community committed to advancing student success and institutional transformation.
When you graduate, you’ll join a powerful alumni network of community college leaders — presidents, vice presidents, deans and policy leaders — who are making an impact across the country.
Admissions: Who Should Apply
This program is designed for current and aspiring leaders in community colleges and higher education systems, including:
- Future presidents, chancellors and vice presidents
- Mid-level administrators such as deans, chairs and directors
- Faculty leaders ready to step into administrative roles
- State system executives and policy professionals focused on community colleges
Admission requirements include:
- Master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- At least three years of relevant professional experience
- CV/resume, personal statement and three letters of recommendation
- Commitment to the cohort model and program completion
Applicants typically include mid-level and senior administrators from community colleges, faculty leaders and individuals aspiring to become presidents or chancellors.
Information Meetings
Learn about the Community College Leadership Program
Why Now?
Community colleges face critical leadership transitions as many senior leaders retire and new challenges emerge. At the same time, national attention is focused on community colleges as drivers of equity and workforce development.
The demand for leaders who are prepared, courageous and visionary has never been greater. The K-State Ed.D. in Community College Leadership equips you to step into those roles and make a lasting impact.
Advance Your Career, Transform Your Institution
With an urgent national need for skilled community college leaders, the K-State Community College Leadership Doctorate prepares you to take on roles as presidents, vice presidents, deans and senior administrators. You’ll graduate ready to lead institutional transformation, drive student success and shape the future of community colleges.
"One key thing that I've learned was from a course called Value Choices. It really made me reflect, take stock of what I'm doing, where I'm at in life, and what impact I want to make moving forward."
– Brian Law
Community College Leadership Program participant
Take the Next Step
Your institution — and your students — need leaders who can shape the future with courage and vision. With Kansas State’s Community College Leadership Doctorate, you’ll gain the tools, network and experience to be that leader. Click the link below to apply for admission or request more infomation.