Thirteen doctoral candidates became the first to receive degrees through the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks during commencement ceremonies on Sat., May 13.

CLU launched its doctoral program in fall 2001. The new program was crafted in such a way that students proceed as a group through their classes and dissertation preparation.

"The unique characteristic of CLU's doctoral program is the cohort model," said James Valadez, PhD, School of Education faculty member. "Often people in education are isolated. The cohort provides a network and support, and it forces students to come together, to live and grow together."

Dr. Charles Weis, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, addressed the students receiving their master's and doctoral degrees. Susan Tandberg of Simi Valley was the student speaker for those receiving a doctorate.

Among the CLU candidates for doctoral (EdD) degrees were the following area residents.

Calabasas resident Jane Wagmeister's dissertation was "A Comparison of Graduates' and Principals' Perceptions of California Teachers Prepared through Alternative and Traditional Certification."

Thousand Oaks resident Kimberly Garland Hoffmans' dissertation was "Nursing School Administrators: A Measurement of Caring."

Westlake Village resident Sheila Jane Harmon's dissertation was "Attachment Style and the Child Care Provider: The Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Attachment Style."