Meet the 2026 Ed.D. Cohort | Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership Doctoral Program

Introducing the 2026 Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership doctoral cohort

October 13, 2026

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is proud to welcome the 2026 Cohort of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership. The 2026 Cohort brings together educational leaders from five states: Arkansas, Texas, Oregon, Arizona, and Maine. In Arkansas they come from the Delta to the Ozarks; elsewhere they work in rural East Texas, on the Oregon Coast, in southern Arizona, and at a boarding school in coastal Maine. Together, they reflect the geographic diversity that is central to the program’s mission.

Just as importantly, these doctoral students arrive with remarkably diverse professional experiences. The 2026 Cohort includes classroom teachers, instructional leaders, principals, assistant principals, a superintendent, higher education professionals, special education leaders, technology specialists, and community-focused educational professionals. While their roles vary, they share a commitment to strengthening educational opportunities and improving the communities they serve.

Interactive map of the first six doctoral cohorts at SAU. The 2026 cohort is in red.

Higher Education and Community Leadership

Students in the Higher Education and Community Leadership pathway have experience spanning schools, colleges, and communities. Vickie Newton, a teacher at Bearden High School and former award-winning television journalist, has also taught at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Kedrick Jones, principal of Beryl Henry Elementary School in Hope, has extensive K-12 leadership experience and a longstanding connection to SAU. Jared Morrow, assistant principal at Gurdon High School, has served as a mathematics teacher, coach, and school administrator. Tedra’ Bryant, a project/program specialist with TRIO Student Support Services at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, is committed to supporting first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented college students. Representing the cohort from East Machias, Maine, Ryan Landers serves as assistant director of residential life at Washington Academy and has a diverse background spanning education, student development, higher education, and the private sector.

Teacher Leadership

The Teacher Leadership pathway unites educators focused on instructional improvement, student success, professional learning, and inclusive educational practices. Beth Lancaster, a full-time doctoral student from Marana, Arizona, is interested in educational technology, curriculum and design, microschools, lifelong learning, and authentic learning. Tytiana Ford, a sixth-grade English language arts (ELA) and social studies teacher at Lafayette County Elementary School, is dedicated to student-centered instruction and family and community engagement. Kacey Baxter, a special education teacher in South Beach, Oregon, has more than 25 years of professional experience and was recognized in 2025 as an Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year.

Jade Tankersley, a special education teacher in Texarkana, Arkansas, focuses on inclusive education, trauma-informed practices, literacy, and improving outcomes for students with disabilities in rural settings. Stephanie Rivera, a seventh- and eighth-grade ELA lead teacher and parent engagement director at Yerger Middle School in Hope, draws on experience in instructional leadership, curriculum development, teacher professional development, student engagement, and family partnerships. Emily Dickinson, an English resource special education teacher in Marshall, Texas, has more than a decade of experience in elementary and middle school education and an interest in special education administration. Jalyn Pinson, K-12 library media specialist for Blevins School District, has worked as both a classroom teacher and library media specialist and continues a longstanding family connection to SAU.

Superintendent Leadership

The Superintendent Leadership pathway includes educational leaders preparing to expand their influence across K-12 systems. David Hampton, technology director and Arkansas Professional Educator Pathway facilitator at the Southwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, offers expertise in instructional technology, professional development, cybersecurity, and school improvement. Kristy Golden, assistant principal at Camden Fairview High School, has served as a teacher, team leader, mentor, department head, and school administrator. Tyler Daily, assistant principal at Center Valley Elementary in Russellville, draws on experience as a science teacher and instructional leader, with professional interests in special education, student behavior, foster care, and systems that support students at risk.

Nicki Watford, a systems support specialist and special education supervisor with the Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, has more than 15 years of experience across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas and focuses on professional development, special education, instructional leadership, and systems-level school improvement. Christie Cremo, principal of Leverett Elementary School in Fayetteville, has 20 years of experience in education and leads a diverse, multilingual school community with a focus on relationships, equity, belonging, and family partnerships.

Rural and Diverse Leadership

The Rural and Diverse Leadership pathway includes leaders whose professional experiences and interests connect directly to the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural and diverse educational communities. Stephen Shepherd, a high school assistant principal in El Dorado, has more than 30 years of experience in education and has worked extensively in leadership development, school design, culturally responsive leadership, and restorative practices. Chad Pitts, superintendent of the Sheridan School District, has worked across the K-12 leadership spectrum as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

Continuing the SAU Legacy

The 2026 Cohort also includes several Legacy Scholars, students returning to Southern Arkansas University after earning previous degrees from SAU. Tytiana Ford, Kedrick Jones, David Hampton, Stephanie Rivera, Kristy Golden, and Jalyn Pinson each earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University. Their return continues their educational journeys and reflects the lasting relationships they formed as Muleriders.

A Cohort Connected by Purpose

Although the 2026 Cohort comes from different states, communities, and professional backgrounds, its members share a common purpose: to grow as educational leaders and make a meaningful difference where they live and work. Their collective experience, from classrooms and school buildings to higher education, educational service cooperatives, and district offices, will enrich learning for the entire cohort.

As they move through the Ed.D. program, they will learn from one another while examining the complex challenges facing rural and diverse schools. Their varied perspectives will strengthen not only their own leadership practices but also the communities and educational systems they serve.

“Welcome to the 2026 Cohort, Muleriders! We are excited to have you as part of our Ed.D. family, and we look forward to the contributions you will make as scholars, practitioners, and leaders.”

Dr. Clinton Petty
Chair, Department of Doctoral Studies, and Director of the Ed.D. in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership

SAU began offering courses toward the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership in the fall of 2021. The first doctoral degrees were awarded in May 2025, marking a significant milestone for the program. To learn more about the Ed.D. at SAU, visit https://www.saumag.edu/edd.

Program Contact

Dr. Clinton Petty
Dr. Clinton Petty

Chair, Dept of Doctoral Studies / Director, EdD in Rural & Diverse Educational Leadership / Associate Professor of Doctoral Studies

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