The Master’s in Educational Leadership program at Southern Nazarene University is the perfect program for educator’s who want to expand their professional careers into areas of administration and assume roles of leadership at their institutions. For Vona Cardwell, the program at SNU was exactly what she needed as a lifelong student of education.
“As educators, we constantly encourage our students to be lifelong learners, and that’s a value I genuinely believe in and try to model myself. I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree, but I wanted it to be intentional and meaningful, not just a degree for the sake of having one. I wanted a program that would deepen my understanding of the educational system as a whole,” Cardwell said. “Specifically, I was looking for something that would help me understand how and why decisions are made at the systemic and administrative levels. When I explored the curriculum for the Master’s in Educational Leadership, it felt like the perfect fit, a program that would sharpen my skills, strengthen my ability to interpret data, and empower me to drive meaningful change within my school and district.”
As a student, Cardwell said she enjoyed the flexibility and relaxed atmosphere the most.
“The instructors treat us like friends, not just students. They’re clearly passionate about what they teach, but they also understand that we all have real-life responsibilities outside of school. Every one of the instructors is Christian, and they really reflect that in the way they interact with us,” said Cardwell.
Cardwell currently works for Claremore Public Schools as an elementary STEM teacher for both Roosa Elementary and Claremont Elementary. Her degree will open new opportunities that were not available prior to her time at SNU.
“There are several ways this degree will help me professionally. First, it will open up more career opportunities. If I decide to move into an administrative role, it gives me the credentials and skills to do so. It will also build my leadership abilities. It also gives me a deeper understanding of how educational systems function, such as navigating the complexities of policy, funding, and curriculum decisions at the administrative level,” said Cardwell.
Away from school, Cardwell said she enjoys spending time with her dogs, friends and family.
“Assuming sleeping doesn’t count as free time, I spend a lot of mine playing with my dogs… and my friends’ dogs… and honestly, pretty much any dog that’ll let me, no shame in my game! I also love spending time with friends and family, swimming, hunting for seashells and shark teeth, and doing a bit of woodworking when I get the chance.”
