Pepperdine News and Events

GSEP Receives Top Ranking in 2012 Leadership 500 for Prestigious Doctoral Program

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EDOL) program ranks 17th in the Education/Universities/Schools of Management and Business category for excellence in leadership development, 2012 Leadership 500.

Based upon the evaluation of 1,000 organizations known for developing top leaders, Leadership Excellence,selects 500 top programs to feature across seven unique categories. Ranking placement considers the quantity and quality of programs, and includes the names of program directors in its listing.

The EDOL program at Pepperdine University has been under the direction of Dr. June Schmieder-Ramirez for the last several years. With extensive leadership experience in both education and business, Schmieder-Ramirez was instrumental in designing and launching the program. 

“It is an honor for our program to be recognized for success in preparing the next generation of leaders,” said Schmieder-Ramirez, academic chair and program director for the EDOL program. “We are very proud of the work accomplished by our students and alumni, many of whom hold high ranking positions in prestigious organizations across the nation and globe.”

Top leadership development programs are ranked according to seven criteria: program vision/mission and the degree to which these strategies are linked to outcomes and meaningful to participants; the design, content and quality of the curriculum; the breadth and depth of involvement by program participants; measurements of return on investment and the level at which performance accountability is integrated into the program; the quality of presenters and effectiveness of presentations; the take-home value of the program and its impact on participants; and outreach, or how the program benefits stakeholders and the broader community.

Schmieder-Ramirez, along with EDOL faculty, approach curriculum design strategically to ensure real-world relevancy and student application. Emphasis is placed on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their workplaces and to immediately increase the value they bring to their organizations upon entrance in the program. This is an outcomes focused program.

About Leadership Excellence and the Leadership 500

Leadership Excellence was founded in 1984 by Ken Shelton, Stephen R. Covey, Ken Blanchard and Charles Garfield with the goal of helping organizations achieve positive growth and improvement and to help individuals find a better way to live their lives and lead their organizations. Leadership Excellence publishes books, a monthly magazine and an online resource center available at leaderexcell.com. They also offer motivational workshops and seminars.

Selected leadership development programs are featured in seven categories: large organizations, small/midsize organizations, universities, nonprofits, government/military, consultants/trainers/coaches and large consulting groups.