Index of University Press Releases

April 8, 2008

First public service and leadership graduate
to attend Eastern University

Katrina Jarding

MITCHELL – Katrina Jarding, Alexandria, the first graduate of the public service and leadership (PSL) program at Dakota Wesleyan University, has been admitted into the prestigious School of Leadership and Development at Eastern University in Philadelphia.

Jarding plans to pursue the Master of Arts in International Development degree, which will include three months of residency in Africa working and conducting research with international development organizations.

“Eastern University’s international development degree program is highly specialized and well respected by those working in the field,” said Donald Simmons, associate professor of public service and leadership at DWU. “Katrina’s acceptance into such an impressive program is a real honor us.”

Simmons said he knew Jarding was being seriously considered by Eastern when members of the graduate faculty called and inquired about DWU’s undergraduate program of study, specifically the classes required for the PSL program. Most of the questioning, according to Simmons, was related to DWU’s emphasis on service and servant leadership.

“I wasn’t here at DWU at the time the curriculum was put in place,” said Simmons. “But based on the questions they asked, I commend the faculty program development committee for their forward thinking.”

Eastern University is best known for its graduate programs which specialize in economic development, international development, and nonprofit management, as well as its seminary programs.

“At first I couldn’t believe I had been accepted,” said Jarding. “But I have a student I.D. number and everything, so I guess I’ll be going to graduate school.”

For more information about DWU’s PSL program, contact Simmons at dosimmon@dwu.edu or 995-2937.