Cape Henlopen School District leaders earning their doctoral degrees from Wilmington University are (l-r) Lewes Elementary Principal Kim Corbidge, Beacon Middle Assistant Principal Kathleen Sheehan, Cape High Principal Nikki Miller, Mariner Middle Assistant Principal Emily Lehne, Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman, Sussex Consortium Special Education Coordinator Trish Wilson and her sister, Sussex Consortium Assistant Principal Liz Cherico. ELLEN DRISCOLL PHOTO
Seven administrators from Sussex County schools received their doctoral degrees on May 22, 2022, a result of the “WilmU Comes to You” initiative.
In 2019, Cape Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman began exploring opportunities to earn her doctoral degree. A Wilmington University representative informed her that WilmU would bring a program to Georgetown if five scholars enrolled. Immediately, seven educators signed on: Nauman; Lewes Elementary Principal Kim Corbidge; Beacon Middle Assistant Principal Kathleen Sheehan; Cape High Principal Nikki Miller; Mariner Middle Assistant Principal Emily Lehne; Sussex Consortium Assistant Principal Liz Cherico; and Sussex Consortium Special Education Coordinator Trish Wilson.
The program continues to bloom throughout the First State. More than 20 Colonial School District teachers have expressed interest in joining a cohort-based leadership academy that will result in a master’s degree and state certification as school leaders. The cohort will meet weekly in Colonial District facilities and will be taught by district leaders.
A similar program is about to begin in the Appoquinimink School District, where more than 80 teachers will work toward advanced degrees and certificates.