Two Doctoral Degrees to be Awarded at ESU’s Spring Commencement

Gregory James Cottrell and Richard A. Ruck

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on April 26, 2017, No Comments

Two doctoral degrees in administration and leadership studies will be awarded during graduate commencement exercises at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania on Friday, May 5, at 6:45 p.m. in Koehler Fieldhouse. The doctoral candidates are Gregory James Cottrell and Richard A. Ruck.

Gregory James Cottrell began his career as a high school technology education teacher at North Hunterdon High School in Annadale, N.J.  After teaching for eight years, he accepted a position as assistant principal at Warren Hills High School in Washington, N.J. where he also served as the technology supervisor. After a year at Warren Hills, Cottrell returned to North Hunterdon High School, where he has served as an assistant principal for the past four years. The focus of his dissertation was on using learning analytics data to influence instructional design. He lives with his wife in Easton, Pa.

Richard A. Ruck has long believed that commitment to family and community are center to core successes that one enjoys. He served as an Airman with the U.S. Air Force and then spent his professional career as a police officer. Upon retiring from law enforcement, Ruck became a faculty member at East Stroudsburg University.  He encourages his students to find creative solutions for critical challenges faced by current professionals within the American criminal justice system. Ruck resides in Easton, Pa. with his wife, Dr. Kerri Ann Ruck, and their daughter.

About the Doctoral Program in Education Administration and Leadership

The Professional and Secondary Education Department at ESU developed a doctoral degree program to meet the demonstrated need for the Ed.D. in educational leadership and administration. The program was previously a collaborative effort with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). On May 5, ESU will graduate the first students to complete the program solely under ESU.

The three-year academic package is designed to provide continuous skill development in leadership, writing, reading and research. The program is intended for leaders in education wishing to further their knowledge, skills and expertise in the area of educational leadership.

For more information about the doctoral program, including applying for admission/acceptance, contact Dr. William Bajor, director of graduate and extended studies at 570-422-3588 or wbajor@esu.edu or Kevin Quintero, graduate admissions coordinator at 570-422-3890 or kquintero@esu.edu.