This summer, BU Wheelock welcomed the first group of students joining the new doctor of education (EdD) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. The program focuses on preparing school and district leaders to solve complex educational problems and initiate innovation and change in their schools and districts.

“The first cohort of 26 educators in our new EdD program is extremely talented and diverse,” says Robert Weintraub, who directs the program. “They represent a wide range of experiences and schools—public, independent, international, and public charter. We look forward to seeing how they will learn and grow here at BU Wheelock.”

Meet some of the members of the first cohort of the new EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies:

Brandon Frame

After careful research, Brandon Frame identified BU Wheelock’s new EdD program as the place where he would get the training and education that would allow him to obtain a position to bring about true systems-wide impact he is hoping to have in the world. A founder and chief visionary officer of the award-winning nonprofit TheBlackManCan, Inc., Frame was previously a school administrator in Hartford, Connecticut, and a teacher at the Fessenden School in Newton, Massachusetts. Looking forward, Frame hopes to serve as an assistant superintendent following program completion.

“I have enjoyed the conversations and working with people who are dedicated to being the change they want to see in the world,” says Frame. “I can already envision everyone sharing opportunities and working together to make the world of education a better place.” ​

Chris Young

Already a student in BU Wheelock’s EdM program for educational leadership & policy studies, Chris Young was inspired by this experience to further his education by joining the EdD program. Previously, he served as an associate director of admissions at an independent school and hopes to gain insights and tools to make the independent school world a more welcoming and equitable place for all students. He also hopes that his EdD will put him on the path to one day running an independent school of his own.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the people who graduate from this program will be face of education in the future,” says Young. “I feel truly blessed to spend so much time with the other students and to be able to learn from them and their work.”

Jessica Pepple

For Jessica Pepple, it is the desire to make equity a reality in education that inspired her to join BU Wheelock’s EdD program. Currently assistant principal at the Browne Middle School in Chelsea, Pepple is excited to engage in antiracism and equity work with the goal of dismantling systemic racism and build allies for all students of color. She hopes to eventually assume a leadership position within the initiative partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities for teacher and administrator recruitment efforts.

“I am among a cohort of peers who have made it their mission to challenge inequitable mindsets and policies that continue to oppress marginalized populations in America,” says Pepple. “I am proud to be one of the many voices who continue to work toward equity and empowerment for the unheard voices.”

Dominique Ferdinand

Dominique Ferdinand joined BU Wheelock’s EdD program to gain the skills needed to make effective policy change at the early childhood level. While in the program, Ferdinand is teaching kindergarten. “I am learning so much already and making adjustments to my practice,” she says. “I am focused on completing work that will ameliorate the educational state of African American students in schools and in society in general, with hopes for a better future.”

Gerardo J. Martinez

Gerardo J. Martinez joined BU Wheelock’s EdD program to push himself professionally and to connect with other educational leaders to support his professional growth.  Previously, Martinez served as an elementary school principal and a middle school teacher. Looking forward, he hopes to explore a superintendent assignment and teach the next group of school leaders as a professor at an institution like BU Wheelock.