I currently serve as the Director of Mission and Ministry at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California. I recently achieved a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey by completing my EdD at Spalding University.
I pursued an EdD at Spalding to enhance my leadership skills and transform my understanding and application of leadership. The role of the church and its leadership, as I've come to realize, encompasses more than faith and rituals. In the Gospel, Jesus invites leaders to focus on the holistic development of individuals. I aimed to integrate this vision into my role as a priest-leader, equipped with education, knowledge, and leadership skills. My goal was to cultivate a mindset open to learning and adaptation and to help others develop the same mindset for change and growth. I can say with great confidence and contentment that I made the right choice to achieve my vision and goal.
The program was thorough, rigorous, and yet rewarding. The classes were thoughtfully designed, and the faculty were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. The advantage of an interdisciplinary EdD program is that you get to focus on your field of leadership with critical thinking and a scientific approach. The research opportunities allowed me to explore my interests deeply. During my EdD journey, I never felt like an island or alone. EdD program director Dr. Thomas Malewitz, other instructors and non-teaching faculties, and librarians were accommodating and accompanied by their continuous support, kindness, and compassion. They all wanted us to bring the best out of us. What was most encouraging was the incredible peer support. Our class represented diverse professional leadership backgrounds: educators, medical professionals, nurses, social workers, marketing trainers, clergy, CEOs, managers, etc. This diversity made my world bigger and gave me different perspectives on the issues discussed. We academically, emotionally, and psychologically supported each other and shared our viewpoints professionally and respectfully. We often reminded each other that we were together. We have become good friends.
Personally and professionally, the EdD program at Spalding helped me develop my skills as a social scientist, including critical thinking in identifying, analyzing, and reporting any social problem. It has also improved how I think and read, my writing skills, and my communication. It made me realize that to be successful, you need a combination of hard work, patience, vision, persistence, and support. The journey is not smooth, but keeping going is the key. You will grow in belonging to a community of scholars and leaders. Scholars rely on the support of the research community, peers, mentors, instructors, and reviewers.
I want to borrow the words of one of my EdD instructors, Dr. Kristen Harris, who said that the doctorate is not a terminal degree but a terminal, as in an airport. You have another flight to take to other destinations and possibilities. This EdD gave me the skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence to excel in my leadership and professional field. It taught me to observe, evaluate, decide, and act effectively and systematically. And there is more to it, and the best is yet to behold.
I believe that the Doctorate Program in Leadership offered by Spalding University will help me to "meet the needs of the time (Spalding University Mission Statement)" and prepare me, as I envision myself to be a helper and guide to serve God's people and their needs in an effective, a healthy and holistic way.
Rev. Dr. Febin Barose, EdD Graduate & California Resident
