{"id":20573,"date":"2026-08-11T14:53:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T18:53:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/?p=20573"},"modified":"2026-08-11T15:08:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T19:08:34","slug":"double-the-determination-sisters-earn-doctoral-degrees-together-at-wilmington-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/2026\/08\/11\/double-the-determination-sisters-earn-doctoral-degrees-together-at-wilmington-university\/","title":{"rendered":"Double the Determination: Sisters Earn Doctoral Degrees Together at Wilmington University\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column20573_fd6de6-9b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sisters <strong>Jessica Shane<\/strong> and <strong>Caitlin Prince<\/strong>, pursuing doctoral degrees&nbsp;wasn\u2019t&nbsp;part of&nbsp;either sister\u2019s&nbsp;long-term plan.&nbsp;As many sibling stories do, it started&nbsp;with a challenge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ll do it if you do it,\u201d Prince remembers telling her sister.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shane eventually agreed, and what began as a conversation between sisters&nbsp;became&nbsp;a years-long journey through Wilmington University\u2019s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program, culminating in both&nbsp;sisters&nbsp;defending their dissertations&nbsp;and earning the title of \u201cdoctor\u201d&nbsp;on the same evening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the sisters not only share&nbsp;doctoral degrees but also work side by side at W.B. Simpson Elementary School, where they have spent years supporting students and fellow educators.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prince teaches fourth grade in a shared academic model classroom, serving both special education and general education students. Meanwhile, Shane serves as an&nbsp;achievement&nbsp;liaison&nbsp;teacher, collaborating with teachers and administrators to support instruction, analyze student data, and strengthen schoolwide initiatives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite their&nbsp;different roles, both are driven by the same goal: making a&nbsp;positive&nbsp;difference in the lives of students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat continues to motivate me as an educator is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both students and teachers every single day,\u201d Shane said. \u201cSeeing growth \u2014 whether it is a student gaining confidence academically or a teacher feeling supported in their practice \u2014 is incredibly rewarding.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Prince,&nbsp;the motivation&nbsp;also comes from continually pushing herself and her sister.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJessica and I have always been very competitive with one another,\u201d Prince said. \u201cWe always strive to be the best, and we push each other, even if that means stepping outside of our comfort zones.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Completing the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<br>Shane and Prince previously earned bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees from Wilmington University, making the decision to return for doctoral study a natural one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI love the community at Wilmington and how everyone truly wants you to succeed,\u201d Prince said. \u201cI recommend this school to everyone I know.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As full-time educators&nbsp;managing&nbsp;careers,&nbsp;families&nbsp;and doctoral coursework,&nbsp;both appreciated&nbsp;the flexibility and support built into the Ed.D. program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cohort model, in particular, became&nbsp;one of the defining aspects of their experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe had an awesome cohort,\u201d Prince said.&nbsp;\u201cThe cohort model that&nbsp;WilmU&nbsp;uses is amazing. We were able to develop lifelong friendships.&nbsp;Also, my advisor, <strong>Dr. Laura Hutchison<\/strong>, was phenomenal. She kept my head on straight when I felt like I was overwhelmed.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Shane, having her sister in the same program provided an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;layer of support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMany nights we would grab dinner and eat during class while balancing assignments, discussions and our busy schedules as educators,\u201d she said. \u201cHaving someone who truly understood the demands of the program made a huge difference.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sisters attended classes together every Tuesday evening, shared notes when one had to miss class, and collaborated on projects while continuing to work together at the same elementary school.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:1.95rem;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:1.95rem;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">About the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Wilmington University\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilmu.edu\/education\/educational-leadership-doctorate.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership<\/a>&nbsp;prepares educators and school leaders to drive meaningful change in schools, districts, and educational organizations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Designed for working educators, the program combines flexible coursework with a cohort model that fosters collaboration, networking, and peer support throughout the doctoral journey.&nbsp;Students choose from three paths of study:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background\">The\u202f<strong>Teacher Leader<\/strong>\u202ftrack is the only program of its kind in the region and supports the role of advanced&nbsp;practitioner&nbsp;in the K-12 classroom.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background\">The\u202f<strong>Building\u202fLeader<\/strong>\u202ftrack inspires candidates to problem-solve and enrich interactions among faculty and leadership on the school level.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background\">The\u202f<strong>District Leader<\/strong>\u202ftrack studies impactful change across the K-12 spectrum.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Students engage in applied research focused on real-world challenges in education, culminating in a Dissertation in Practice that addresses an issue directly connected to their professional experiences and leadership goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-kb-palette-2-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Through coursework, internships, and research, students develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to influence policy, improve educational outcomes, and lead organizational change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their different personalities also helped keep each other on track.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJessica is more of the&nbsp;type A, get-things-done-right-away person, and I am more of the&nbsp;\u2018why do today what you can do tomorrow\u2019&nbsp;type,\u201d Prince said. \u201cShe was a constant reminder that I needed to get my work submitted.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research With Real-World Impact&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Like many educators in Wilmington University\u2019s Ed.D. program, the sisters focused their dissertations on challenges they&nbsp;encounter&nbsp;in their&nbsp;daily&nbsp;professional practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prince\u2019s dissertation&nbsp;explored&nbsp;ways to improve student writing&nbsp;through the use of&nbsp;rubrics and anchor texts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is a huge deficit in students\u2019 writing,\u201d she said. \u201cMy students did an amazing job and showed such growth. I am so proud of them.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shane\u2019s research centered on improving English&nbsp;language&nbsp;arts&nbsp;proficiency&nbsp;among low socioeconomic students through a volunteer mentoring program called Reading Rangers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have seen firsthand how targeted support and positive relationships can significantly impact student growth and confidence,\u201d Shane said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their doctoral research is already influencing&nbsp;change at&nbsp;their school. Prince has shared her findings with colleagues, who have implemented similar instructional strategies in&nbsp;their own classrooms, while Shane hopes her research encourages greater community involvement and literacy support for students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The doctoral&nbsp;experience has also broadened their perspectives as educational leaders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBecause of my internships at the building and district levels, I am able to think like a principal, as well as someone who works in the district office,\u201d Prince said. \u201cThis has helped my decision-making skills and how I generally approach anything I do.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide wu-blockquote-row is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5dc627e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote wu-blockquote-simple is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest lessons I learned throughout my doctoral journey is that support systems are everywhere if you are willing to ask for help and accept encouragement. <\/p>\n<cite>\u2014 Dr. Jessica Shane<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Becoming \u201cDoctors\u201d Together&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt felt rewarding to&nbsp;celebrate such a major accomplishment together with the people who encouraged&nbsp;us along the way,\u201d Shane said. \u201cOne of the best parts was being able to sit in and watch each&nbsp;other\u2019s defenses while also&nbsp;participating&nbsp;in the discussion afterward. Since we&nbsp;understood the amount of work, dedication, and perseverance that went into the&nbsp;process, it made us even more proud of one another.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat was one of the coolest things I have ever experienced,\u201d Prince&nbsp;added.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their school community quickly joined the celebration, recognizing their accomplishment through social media shout-outs, thoughtful&nbsp;notes,&nbsp;and congratulations from students and colleagues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOne of the most heartwarming parts has been the students\u2019 reactions,\u201d Shane said. \u201cHearing students excitedly call us \u2018Doctor\u2019 in the hallways with huge smiles on their faces has been such a rewarding experience.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the sisters plan to celebrate with a trip to the Bahamas, both remain focused on the future and on continuing to expand their impact as educational leaders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For educators considering advanced study, both sisters offer similar advice:&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;be afraid to&nbsp;take the leap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOne of the biggest lessons I&nbsp;learned throughout my doctoral journey is that support systems are everywhere if&nbsp;you are willing to ask for help and accept encouragement,\u201d said Shane.&nbsp;\u201cWhether it is family,&nbsp;classmates, coworkers, professors, or mentors, having people to support and&nbsp;motivate you can make a tremendous difference.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is very scary at first and seems impossible,\u201d Prince said, \u201cbut I promise you will get it done.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if possible, it&nbsp;doesn\u2019t&nbsp;hurt to have a sibling by your side.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb{margin-top:0em;}.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:0em;padding-bottom:0em;padding-left:0em;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb{border-top:0px solid transparent;}.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb a{color:#00843d;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb{border-top:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb{border-top:0px solid transparent;}}.wu-text-col,.wu-img-col {\tmin-block-size: -webkit-fit-content;\tmin-block-size: -moz-fit-content;\tmin-block-size: fit-content;}.wu-text-col &gt; div,.wu-img-col &gt; div {\tflex: 1;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id20573_4f93ad-bb alignnone FULL wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:5px solid #f9c22b;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:5px solid rgba(249,194,43,0);flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:5px solid rgba(249,194,43,0);flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}.kadence-column20573_24d57d-b0 figure.image-is-svg {-webkit-margin-after: 1em; 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.wp-block-kadence-column {align-self: stretch;}.kadence-column20573_2568ee-b0 &gt; div {  padding-block: 1em;}.kadence-column20573_2568ee-b0 p:last-of-type {  -webkit-margin-after: 0;  margin-block-end: 0;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column20573_2568ee-b0 kb-section-dir-vertical wu-text-col\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"NoMargin has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99183f2279c09d8c0be7d483fe129785 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:1rem\">Learn more about the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilmu.edu\/education\/indexe.aspx\">College of Education and Liberal Arts.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For sisters Jessica Shane and Caitlin Prince, pursuing doctoral degrees&nbsp;wasn\u2019t&nbsp;part of&nbsp;either sister\u2019s&nbsp;long-term plan.&nbsp;As many sibling stories do, it started&nbsp;with a challenge.&nbsp; 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