Serve, Protect, Lead: Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Earns Doctorate in Education at Wilmington University 

As an enlisted Marine, Dr. Alexander Branch learned how to take orders. As an Army Reserve captain, he learned how to give orders, and as a Wilmington University doctoral student, he learned how to be a better listener. 

The Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation (OLI) program “helped me appreciate diversity of thought,” says Dr. Branch, a police lieutenant. “It made me want to know why. It made me be more inquisitive, which made me a better leader.” 

Law Enforcement Education 

Dr. Branch joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 2007 and now commands a squad in the Central Detective Division. 

“The OLI doctoral program affords people like Dr. Branch the opportunity to grow as leaders through a number of different experiences which focus on linking theory and research to practice, including our dissertation in practice, the leadership development portfolio and consulting project,” says Dr. Anthony Buffone, program chair. Plus, the program’s cohort model fosters connections with “a diverse group of organizational practitioners representing all sectors from across the country and world.” 

Dr. Branch, who also earned an M.S. in Homeland Security from WilmU, values the University’s online options and dedicated faculty.  

Accredited Academics in a Caring Community 

“Through my doctoral journey and my master’s, all of the professors and instructors made themselves available to the students. Getting help was easy,” Dr. Branch says. “They were all outstanding.” 

Dr. Buffone returns the compliment, calling it “a pleasure” to work with him and “an honor” to be his advisor. 

“Al’s natural curiosity was a great asset during his studies as well as his ability to delve deeper through observations and asking questions, which were honed through his years in law enforcement and the military,” says Dr. Buffone. “As someone who raised their children in Philadelphia and spends time in the city, it is comforting to know that Dr. Branch is working to keep us safe.” 

Dr. Branch hopes to lead a police department someday and credits his WilmU education with helping him succeed. 

“When you attend WilmU, you feel like you’re part of a family. You feel like you’re part of an organization with pride,” he says. “I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.”