Conversations About Alternative Dissertations

Date: November 14, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM EST

Join us for an open conversation about alternative dissertation approaches, inspired by a recent special issue of Impacting Education. We’ll explore how EdD students and faculty are reimagining the dissertation beyond the traditional five-chapter model with attention to scholarly innovation, professional relevance, and personal meaning. Whether you're considering alternative formats or simply curious, this dialogue invites your questions, insights, and experiences.

Star Brown

Dr. Star Brown has more than 25 years of experience in the community college system as an instructor, administrator, student advisor, and faculty mentor. She is a four-time alumna of Appalachian State University, including graduation from the doctoral program in educational leadership. Dr. Brown holds graduate affiliate faculty status and currently serves on dissertation committees and teaches courses on educational research. Her varied research interests include critical theories, first-generation college students, the community college context, and regional institutional accreditation. Dr. Brown currently serves as the doctoral program’s inaugural Dissertation Coach. Her work with the doctoral program focuses on supporting students in the dissertation phase of the program including guidance for academic writing, dissertation development, and sustaining progress through the completion of the dissertation journey.

Vachel Miller

Vachel Miller is a Professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies at Appalachian State University, and he directs the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Appalachian. In 2015-16, Vachel lived with his family in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia as a Fulbright Scholar. He is the editor of a recent book on Apocalyptic Leadership in Education. He has a lifelong interest in international education and issues of pedagogical innovation, organizational change, and leadership. He holds an Ed.D. in educational policy and leadership from the Center for International Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.