EdD Alumni Profile: Jeff Bowman

Dissertation: Authentic Leadership and Burnout

For my dissertation, I surveyed public education leaders to examine the relationship between burnout and authentic leadership, which are practices that promote a healthy and ethical work environment. I found that leaders who had more experience teaching or providing service tended to have lower levels of burnout. Practicing authentic leadership also tended to mitigate burnout in the workplace. Early in my leadership career, I observed so many professionals impacted by the challenges of the profession and always wanted to understand the key differences between those that chose to stay in the profession versus those who left. I believe that students deserve to have access to leaders who can positively impact schools and in turn present pathways for students to reach their fullest potential.

I was seeking a program that focused on the individual student, but also valued the team or cohort approach. The EdD program at Saint Marys's certainly nurtured a family feel while allowing each individual to thrive.

Anyone who decides to pursue a doctoral degree should know that the journey is worth the time and work it takes to succeed. I feel more prepared for the challenges I will will face in my professional career after completing SMC EdD program. The light representing the future is very bright at graduation.