Leadership in Action: Flexibility, Faculty, and Finding Purpose
"The research on leadership skills and theories, the case studies—we use that every day. In some courses, we even implement real projects within our districts, which has been extremely beneficial.”
For Johnny Edwards, pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University has been both a professional and personal journey of growth. Now serving as a school district superintendent, Edwards credits the program’s flexibility and strong faculty support for helping him balance the demands of graduate study with a career in educational leadership.
“The flexibility is my favorite thing about the program,” Edwards shared. “My advisors laid out my entire course of study, and I’ve appreciated how each class is structured differently—some fully online, others meeting occasionally in the evenings or on weekends. It’s allowed me to stay engaged and on track while managing a busy professional schedule.”
Edwards describes the faculty accessibility as one of the program’s most defining strengths.
“A quick email to my advisor or professor always gets a prompt response,” he said. “They’re readily available through Webex or Zoom, and that kind of connection has been an incredible resource.”
Throughout his career in educational administration, Edwards has applied research and theory from his coursework directly to his leadership practice.
“It’s hard not to apply what you’re learning,” he explained. “The research on leadership skills and theories, the case studies—we use that every day. In some courses, we even implement real projects within our districts, which has been extremely beneficial.”
A first-generation college student from Saginaw, Edwards says his journey has been shaped by the values of learning, perseverance, and authenticity instilled by his parents.
“They told me I could do anything as long as I stayed true to who I was,” Edwards reflected. “Now I hope to share that same message with the students and educators I work with.”
For Edwards, leadership is about listening, collaboration, and empowering others—a vision that reflects the very principles of Western Michigan University’s Educational Leadership program. His story stands as a testament to the program’s lasting impact and to the transformative power of education done with purpose.
