{"id":884,"date":"2025-07-02T12:05:21","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T16:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/online\/?p=884"},"modified":"2025-07-02T12:05:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T16:05:21","slug":"educational-leadership-as-a-personally-transformative-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/online\/2025\/07\/educational-leadership-as-a-personally-transformative-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Educational Leadership as a Personally Transformative Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dr. Chad Crews devoted a 15-year career to law enforcement, but it was his work as a school resource officer that inspired him to pursue school safety as his next career. His deep-rooted commitment to protecting others and ensuring that schools remain safe, supportive spaces for students and staff was a direct response to his firsthand experience with the evolving challenges that schools face. His strong belief is that school safety isn\u2019t only about responding to threats, it is also about preventing threats through relationships, trust, and proactive safety strategies. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When Chad transitioned into school administration and later into his role with the Indiana Department of Education, he saw an even greater opportunity to influence policy, training, and school culture on a broader scale. \u201cMy doctoral research allowed me to dive deeply into how safety is enacted at the ground level and how collaboration, training, and mental health support are critical for long-term impact,\u201d Chad explains. \u201cUltimately, it\u2019s the belief that every student deserves to feel safe walking into school each day that continues to drive my work.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chad shares that his experience working toward his <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsu.edu\/academics\/collegesanddepartments\/online\/academic-programs\/doctoral\/edadmin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration and Supervision<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> at Ball State University \u201cprovided the academic foundation and applied leadership training necessary to perform his work effectively.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<span class=\"TextRun SCXW13875941 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW13875941 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Becoming Career-Ready with Ball State University<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During his time as a student at Ball State, Chad found that his studies directly influenced the trajectory of his professional career. He noted that \u201cthe dissertation process provided a structured opportunity to critically examine the complexities of school safety through a scholarly lens.\u201d Drawing upon his background in law enforcement and educational leadership, Chad was particularly prepared to investigate how comprehensive, systems-based approaches were able to contribute to safer school environments. Because the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsu.edu\/academics\/collegesanddepartments\/online\/academic-programs\/doctoral\/edadmin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Educational Leadership<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> program focuses on applied research and policy analysis, Chad was able to explore the intersection of theory and practice with assignments that required rigorous, real-world evaluation. Homework for class was able to be directly applied to workplace development, as well as help expand Chad\u2019s perspective and development of realistic, sustainable solutions at the local and state levels.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-885 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114714\/5689899869943757020-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"A group of School Safety Specialists stand near a blue Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy baner.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114714\/5689899869943757020-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114714\/5689899869943757020-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114714\/5689899869943757020-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114714\/5689899869943757020.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clinical placements are often a pivotal part of a student\u2019s doctoral experience and Chad was no exception. His superintendentinternship provided authentic, real-world exposure to the operational and strategic responsibilities of a district leadership team, allowing him to engage deeply with many aspects of school system management. This, he felt, was an indispensable aspect of career preparation. He had the opportunity to be involved in key areas, from financial and budgeting which sharpened his understanding of responsible resource allocation, to academic planning which provided valuable insight into the process of curriculum evaluation and implementation.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe clinical experience not only prepared me for potential future service as a school superintendent, but also significantly enhanced my ability to lead at the intersection of education and safety,\u201d Chad explains. He goes on to share that \u201cthe internship helped solidify my belief that effective school safety is inseparable from sound leadership, fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and well-supported staff. These lessons will continue to inform my work in school safety at the state level and beyond.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<span class=\"TextRun SCXW177711397 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177711397 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Takeaways From Ball State\u2019s Educational Leadership Program<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW177711397 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177711397 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW177711397 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW8417183 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW8417183 BCX0\">When Chad was researching doctoral programs, he conducted a thorough evaluation of several highly acclaimed programs, considering their individual, distinct approaches to educational leadership. \u201cBall State University emerged as the most compelling choice based on a combination of academic rigor, practitioner relevance, and overall program value.\u201d Chad says of his final choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW8417183 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cBall State University emerged as the most compelling choice based on a combination of academic rigor, practitioner relevance, and overall program value.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other factors that Chad considered were the cost-to-benefit ratio which he considered to be particularly strong at Ball State. When compared to peer institutions, \u201cthe financial investment [into Ball State\u2019s Educational Leadership program] was both reasonable and sustainable, especially given the program\u2019s quality, faculty expertise, and practical design.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:160}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe financial investment [into Ball State\u2019s Educational Leadership program] was both reasonable and sustainable, especially given the program\u2019s quality, faculty expertise, and practical design.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chad goes on to say that \u201cthe program provided not only a solid academic foundation, but also applied experiences that aligned directly with my career objectives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe program provided not only a solid academic foundation, but also applied experiences that aligned directly with my career objectives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW109980649 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW109980649 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Praising the Educational Leadership Faculty<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW109980649 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond the curriculum and the workplace preparation offered by the program, Chad was particularly impressed with the quality of the faculty leaders. \u201cFaculty mentorship was exceptional, offering personalized guidance that respected my professional background while pushing me to think critically and systemically,\u201d he shares. The clinical components that allowed him to work at a district level and work closely with leaders in his field significantly enriched his leadership capacity.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He concludes by saying that the \u201ccomprehensive approach to leadership preparation, coupled with the institution\u2019s strong reputation in the field of education, affirmed that Ball State\u2019s doctoral program was the optimal choice to advance both my scholarly development and my professional impact.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cBall State\u2019s doctoral program was the optimal choice to advance both my scholarly development and my professional impact.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chad worked with several faculty members who significantly shaped his development as a doctoral student. He makes special mention of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsu.edu\/academics\/collegesanddepartments\/teachers-college\/about-us\/directory\/collegeleadership\/lowerykendra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dr. Kendra Lowery<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, his dissertation chair, who provided consistent guidance and pushed him critically to engage with issues of equity, leadership, and safety in ways that elevated his research. \u201c[Dr. Lowery\u2019s] mentorship helped me translate my professional experience into meaningful scholarly inquiry.\u201d He also mentioned additional faculty as instrumental in helping him understand the practical application of educational leadership theory and providing strong support in other areas of learning. \u201cTheir collective support\u2026created a rigorous yet encouraging environment that helped me grow intellectually while staying rooted in the realities of school safety practice.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201c[The Educational Leadership faculty\u2019s] collective support created a rigorous yet encouraging environment that helped me grow intellectually.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW70811963 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW70811963 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">A Personally Transformative Experience<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW70811963 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-886 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114724\/FullSizeRender-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"White male school safety specialist instructs students on ways to remain safe at school.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114724\/FullSizeRender-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114724\/FullSizeRender-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114724\/FullSizeRender-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114724\/FullSizeRender-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/bsu-wpe-blogs.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/07\/01114724\/FullSizeRender-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Chad credits the Educational Leadership program at Ball State for his own personal growth, calling his time at Ball State a transformative experience. \u201cWhile I entered the program with extensive experience in law enforcement and educational leadership, the doctoral journey challenged me to think more deeply, reflect more intentionally, and lead more strategically.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:160}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAs someone who is deeply invested in the future of school safety and educational leadership,\u201d Chad says, \u201cI view this degree not as the conclusion of a journey but as a foundation for continued impact. Whether through policy development, professional training, or mentorship, I remain committed to using the knowledge and experiences gained at Ball State to serve schools, protect students, and support those who lead our educational communities.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:160}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Chad Crews devoted a 15-year career to law enforcement, but it was his work as a school resource officer that inspired him to pursue school safety as his next career. His deep-rooted commitment to protecting others and ensuring that schools remain safe, supportive spaces for students and staff was a direct response to his [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":155,"featured_media":887,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[35,27,36,37,167,158],"class_list":["post-884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-student-and-faculty-stories","tag-doctor-of-education","tag-doctorate","tag-edd","tag-educational-administration-and-supervision","tag-educational-leadership","tag-online"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Educational Leadership as a Personally Transformative Experience - Ball State Online<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how Dr. Chad Crews turned his devotion to school safety into a career with Ball State\u2019s online EdD in Educational Administration and Supervision.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.bsu.edu\/online\/2025\/07\/educational-leadership-as-a-personally-transformative-experience\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Educational Leadership as a Personally Transformative Experience - 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