Welcome from the Director

Welcome from the Joint PhD Program Director

Welcome to the Joint PhD in Educational Studies program! Beginning your PhD is a remarkable journey in research, scholarship, lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional development. This cohort is especially significant as you join us during the 25th anniversary of the program—an important milestone in our shared history. We are delighted to welcome you into this legacy of excellence.

The 2026 Summer Session will be held at the University of Windsor. I encourage you to take time to explore the campus and surrounding region. Windsor offers a vibrant waterfront, rich cultural life, and a welcoming community. It is also located near Point Pelee National Park, the southernmost point in Canada, renowned for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Whether along the Detroit River or in nearby natural spaces, Windsor provides an inspiring setting for your studies.

In 2022, the OECD reported that only 1.3% of the global population holds a PhD. Brenda Brouwer (University Affairs, 2016) similarly notes that fewer than 1% of Canadians have earned this credential. As global challenges grow in complexity, Canada’s need for highly trained researchers continues to increase. Our Joint PhD program is designed to meet this need.

This program is a collaboration between Brock University, Lakehead University, and the University of Windsor. You will benefit from the combined expertise of all three institutions, offering a rich environment for research, collaboration, and academic growth.

Our program offers three fields of study:

• Cognition and Learning: Focuses on cognitive, social-emotional, and cultural processes shaping teaching and learning.
  • Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Examines ethical, cultural, historical, and organizational dimensions of leadership and policy.
  • Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education: Explores how education is shaped by social, cultural, and political forces.

While you will specialize in one field, overlap is expected and encouraged. I invite you to fully engage in the in-person cohort experience and learn from the diverse research interests of your colleagues as you begin your studies.

Over the past three years as Director, I have been grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated colleagues, students, and partners across our three universities. This period has included both challenges and meaningful accomplishments, and I am especially proud of our collective work, including the recent amendment to the Comprehensive Portfolio requirement (Option B), which strengthens student pathways and flexibility.

As of July 1, I will be stepping down from my role as Director and beginning a sabbatical leave. Program leadership is provided through the Joint PhD Program Committee, consisting of Dr. Michael MacDonald (University of Windsor), Dr. Dolana Mogadime (Brock University), and Dr. Meridith Lovell-Johnston (Lakehead University). I am pleased to share that Dr. Lana Parker at the University of Windsor will be taking over as Director of the Joint PhD in Educational Studies. I am confident the program is in excellent hands and will continue to grow under her leadership.

Whether you are continuing or just beginning this journey, I encourage you to read widely, remain persistent in the face of challenge, and take full advantage of the intellectual opportunities ahead of you.

Best wishes for your continued success,
Andrew Allen
Director, Joint PhD in Educational Studies