HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 16, 2015– Dr. Mary Jo Hall, an alumna of High Point University, and her husband, retired Col. Emmett Stobbs Jr., have established a grant for the School of Education’s doctorate in educational leadership. Up to three $1,500 grants will be awarded annually for initiatives designed to solve critical educational problems in North Carolina or across the nation.
Doctoral students in the final phase of the program will be invited to apply for the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Grants for innovative projects in the areas of school leadership, district reform, improvements in student learning, teacher quality, and teacher preparation, recruitment and retention. The first grants will be awarded in the spring.
“Through the generosity of Dr. Mary Jo Hall, the School of Education seeks to recognize and support doctoral research in educational leadership that will have a meaningful impact in our schools,” says Dr. Mariann Tillery, dean of the School of Education. “In addition to this contribution, Dr. Hall has worked with our faculty to create a vision that brings together thought leaders from across the state to collaborate and engage in the work of solving problems of practice. These opportunities are designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation for improving education in North Carolina.”
After graduating from HPU in 1969, Hall earned master’s degrees in education and business as well as a doctorate in educational leadership. Her career includes more than 16 years at the Defense Acquisition University, where she served as an instructor, director of leadership and special assistant to the commandment, and more than eight years designing and facilitating interactive learning labs for the Association for Talent Development.
Stobbs, 1969年毕业于西点军校,是小职员ioned in the Corps of Engineers and also graduated from Ranger and Airborne schools. He received master’s degrees in applied science and business and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. He served in the Army for 30 years and is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina and Virginia.
“High Point University continues to receive outstanding support from alumni,” says Chris Dudley, senior vice president for development. “We are grateful for Dr. Hall’s generosity and her ongoing commitment to the School of Education.”
The educational leadership doctorate, HPU’s first doctoral program, prepares educators to approach difficult challenges at all levels of schooling with creative solutions for positive outcomes in student learning. Launched in 2012, 81 students are currently enrolled, including local educators, directors, counselors, principals and teacher leaders. They represent public school districts across North Carolina and out-of-state in addition to community college and private school administrators.
HPU will award its first doctoral degrees to 20 of the program’s students in May 2016.