Dr. Doris Battle - College of Education (COE)

Degree: Ed.D. Leadership and Policy Studies ('15)
Current Title: Director, U.S. Partnerships | National center on Education and the Economy

Why did you choose the University of Memphis for your studies?

Master’s degree

The University of Memphis has always been known for its strong reputation as a research university, which was a major factor in my decision to pursue my master’s degree here. I received a solid educational foundation through Gleason Schools (K–12), part of the Weakley County School System, and continued my academic journey at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where I was both challenged and encouraged to grow. When it came time to pursue my graduate studies, I was ready to broaden my academic experience in a new setting. The University of Memphis’s emphasis on research was both intriguing and inspiring and ultimately made it the right choice for this next chapter.

Doctorate Degree

While serving as Deputy Superintendent in the Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS), I pursued the opportunity to earn a terminal degree through the University of Memphis. During this time, I led a group of district and school leaders from JMCSS to enroll in the National Institute for School Leadership’s (NISL) executive leadership program, an intensive 18-month national program designed for veteran, new, and aspiring district and school instructional leaders. Recognizing the value of this experience, I met with the University of Memphis to explore a partnership between NISL and their Leadership Doctoral Program. This collaboration allowed participants to receive credit for the program and invited University of Memphis professors to join us on our learning journey.

Following the completion of NISL, a cohort of JMCSS leaders and I became the inaugural class of the Leadership Doctoral Program at the University of Memphis’s Lambuth Campus an important milestone that marked a new chapter in both my professional journey and academic growth. Our coursework was based at the Lambuth Campus, with additional engagement on the main campus in Memphis during the dissertation phase.

What’s a favorite or meaningful memory from your time here?

One of my most meaningful memories from my time at the University of Memphis was the day I successfully defended my dissertation. Having my husband, Walter, and our children, Max and Paige, there to share that moment made it incredibly special. Their unwavering support throughout my academic journey meant the world to me, and being able to celebrate such a significant achievement with them by my side is something I will never forget.

 

How did your experience at UofM prepare or shape you for the work you do now?

The University of Memphis played a pivotal role in preparing me for the work I do today. As a research university, the UofM fosters a culture of inquiry, reflection, and evidence-based practice and values that align closely with my current role. The university’s commitment to developing both educators and leaders is deeply embedded in its programs, and the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies doctoral program offered me the opportunity to explore the complex systems that influence education from classrooms to national policy.

Today, I serve as the Director of U.S. Partnerships at the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE), a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that works at the intersection of education and the economy. NCEE has a 35-year history of connecting global research to national, state, and local policy and practice. My experience at the University of Memphis, especially its emphasis on research, leadership development, and system-level thinking equipped me with the tools to engage diverse stakeholders, bridge policy and practice, and contribute to meaningful educational improvement on a national scale.