By Ariel C. Emberton, staff writer/photographer, Office of University Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - “The first cohorts of students who graduated in December were highly intelligent, career minded, dedicated and motivated,” Dr. Patricia Cowherd, dean of the School of Business, Economics and Technology, said.

Campbellsville University held its first doctoral hooding ceremony Dec. 11 in Ransdell Chapel where seven students were recognized for receiving their Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Leadership. The Ph.D. program began with the first cohort in October 2017 Cowherd said.

“This is an academic milestone for the university. More importantly, it is a landmark for these graduates and their families,” Dr. H. Keith Spears, senior vice president and assistant to the president, said.

The students were recognized a week later during Campbellsville University's virtual commencement ceremony. Graduates from the Ph.D. program were as follows:

Gwendolyn Blue of Louisville, Ky.; Rebecca Cecil of Finchville, Ky.; Brooke Dickinson of Thompson's Station, Tenn.; Khaled Falah of Oakton, Va.; Jennifer Graham of Campbellsville, Ky.; John Kenney of Murrieta, Calif.; Brent Rowe of Danville, Ky.; Choe Sergent of Hustonville, Ky.; and Robert Coleman of Danville, Ky.

The degree is designed to be completed in three years. “The program requires 60 semester hours with the dissertation, six of the 60 hours, required in the last semester of the program,” Cowherd said.

“The Ph.D. degree will allow graduates to teach in a college or university setting, serve as an administrator, or work in a high-level management position. The program will encourage CU faculty to conduct high-level academic research that will contribute to developing knowledge in the fields of management and leadership,” Cowherd said.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program must have completed a master's degree from a regionally accredited university.

“As dean, I feel honored to have the first doctoral program housed in the School of Business, Economics and Technology,” Cowherd, who has served in her position since 2001 and who has been employed at Campbellsville University for 40 years, said.

Cowherd said the next Ph.D. cohort is expected to begin in May 2021 with a maximum of 12 students.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.