Structure and focus aren’t always easily found. Finding those two components — and so much more — incorporated into the Doctor of Ethical Leadership (EDD) program offered by Olivet Nazarene University became Chad Maxson’s launch point for success.
Chad Maxson ’99/’17 EDD was equipped to pivot from an administration position to a faculty position and then go on to earn his PHD because of how well ONU’s EDD program equipped him. “I’ll admit that I came into ONU’s program with the imposter syndrome attacking my self-confidence,” Dr. Maxson says. “I kept asking myself, ‘Am I ready for this?’ As I continued with the program, I was able to answer yes to that question.”
Working closely with his advisor, professors and the members of his cohort, Dr. Maxson experienced personal and professional growth from the first class to graduation. When he entered the program, he was transitioning from the Associate Dean of Academic Strategies position to Dean of Digital Learning at ONU. With that new position, he was faced with many challenges and transitional issues. As he was stretched, he trusted that the rigor and depth of the EDD program would provide what he needed to succeed in his education and his career.
“In ONU’s program, my sense of confidence in my leadership abilities grew dramatically,” Dr. Maxson says. “The interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills we learned and our course in strategic leadership are so beneficial for me. Now, I am much more confident when bringing together many different constituencies and balancing the many stakeholders involved. My teambuilding skills are much stronger, and I have the resources and tools I need to lead well. I’ve seen a dramatic spike in our team’s productivity and efficiency because I am a stronger leader.”
Another benefit of ONU’s program for Dr. Maxson was the massive improvement in his written communication skills. “Writing is vital in all aspects of my career,” he says. “Becoming a better writer has also made me a better thinker and thought leader. Being able to write really well has boosted my professional image.”
As his writing and presentation skills improved during the three-year program, Dr. Maxson was surprised by the new professional opportunities he had. During the year after he wrote and defended his dissertation at ONU, he presented his dissertation work at a conference, was a panelist at a conference, and published a peer review journal article.
His dissertation work also laid the foundation for more career growth. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the many changes that resulted, Dr. Maxson once again pivoted in his career. He joined ONU’s faculty as Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy, and he continues to serve in that position today. He also teaches in ONU’s Honors Program and serves on the Honors Council.
One unexpected outcome of completing ONU’s EDD program was the renewed confidence Dr. Maxson felt to complete a PHD degree he had started in 2003. In 2024, he received his PHD in Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University.
As a parent, Dr. Maxson is also seeing the positive effects of his EDD educational experience on his family. He readily admits that parenting is more challenging than any doctoral program! Using skills he learned in ONU’s program, he is leading his family in developing their own change management plan as they work together on aligning their personal and family goals with the realities of life.
“In ONU’s highly structured EDD program, I found excellent support from advisors, faculty and members of my cohort,” Dr. Maxson says. “Students who are willing to put in the work can complete this program. And they can do research and the dissertation in their chosen field. Completing this degree also prepares them for many different career paths.”
