Amy Korus, who earned her Doctorate in Education in Educational Administration and Supervision (EdD) from Ball State University, once thought that advanced education was out of her reach because of the unkind words of a guidance counselor in high school. There is power in the motivation to prove someone wrong, Amy discovered, as she felt that spark ignite under her. “I’ve always believed, like Horace Mann, that education is the great equalizer,” Amy explains. “The position I’m in now allows me to advocate for students who may not yet see their own potential—just like I once didn’t—and to ensure they never hear the kind of limiting words that I did.

“I’ve always believed, like Horace Mann, that education is the great equalizer. The position I’m in now allows me to advocate for students who may not yet see their own potential—just like I once didn’t—and to ensure they never hear the kind of limiting words that I did.”

When Amy was a student at Ball State, she says she was fortunate to work with many exceptional faculty members throughout her educational journey. She calls out Dr. Serena Salloum by name, who was her dissertation chair. Dr. Salloum provided supportive, consistent, and constructive feedback during regular meetings, and Amy says, “she genuinely cared about my development.”

Amy also worked with other professors whose support was invaluable to her, including Dr. Holmes Finch, Dr. Tracy Caddell, and Dr. Michael Shaffer. About them, Amy says, “I truly would not have made it through without the support of this team. They understood that we all have full-time, demanding jobs on top of graduate school, and they consistently checked in to make sure we were staying on track while also taking care of ourselves. Their encouragement made all the difference, and I now count each of them as a friend.”

“[My professors] understood that we all have full-time, demanding jobs on top of graduate school, and they consistently checked in to make sure we were staying on track while also taking care of ourselves. Their encouragement made all the difference, and I now count each of them as a friend.”

Meaningful Coursework Makes the Difference

When asked about her work, Amy shares that one of the aspects she appreciated most about her time at Ball State was the meaningful nature of the coursework. “There was very little ‘busy work,’” she tells us. “Instead, the projects were directly connected to my daily responsibilities as an administrator. Each assignment held clear relevance and helped me develop different components of effective leadership within an educational organization.” She also appreciated the opportunity to take on projects that would not typically fall within her scope of responsibility, which allowed her to broaden her experience and grow. 

Amy chose Ball State Online for her master’s program because of the convenience of online learning. As a Hoosier, she knew Ball State University had a strong reputation, especially in the education field. “Once I decided to continue my education, there was no question that I would complete it at Ball State. I had built strong relationships with my professors, and the program’s cost was comparable to other options. Even now, when someone mentions they’re considering graduate school, I always encourage them to choose [Ball State University]. Although the program is online, it offers a personal touch that begins on day one and lasts all the way through to the moment you cross the stage to be hooded.”

“When someone mentions they’re considering graduate school, I always encourage them to choose [Ball State University]. Although the program is online, it offers a personal touch that begins on day one and lasts all the way through to the moment you cross the stage to be hooded.”

Building a Career After Graduation

Since her graduation, Amy has added more accomplishments to her resume, including a published Indianagram article on the new IEP system and a position on the EF (Education First) national superintendent’s council. 

Amy currently works as the Superintendent for Whitko Community School Corporation. She credits Ball State with preparing her, not only academically, but also through the network of relationships she developed with other students. “Graduate school taught me that we need to lean in on other people in our field for knowledge and encouragement.  The classmates I met on the first day of school (they used to meet face-to-face in the beginning), I’m still friends with today. They were my support network to get through,” Amy says. 

“I’m proud to say I graduated from Ball State University,” Amy tells us. “People often ask if I would do it again, and my answer is always the same: ‘It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it—so yes.’ 

“I’m proud to say I graduated from Ball State University.”