Kent Messer, Ed.D.

Adjunct Faculty,
Department of Leadership and Administration

Dr. Kent Messer is a 23 year veteran in public education.  During his time in public ed, he has experience as a teacher, coach, team leader, assistant principal, and principal. Over the past nine years, Dr. Messer has led a high performing middle school as a building principal in a school district just outside of Dallas, Texas.  He received his Educational Doctorate from Creighton University in Interdisciplinary Leadership and has presented at various leadership conferences across Texas on educational leadership and instruction.  Dr. Messer’s research interests include leadership sustainability, mentorship, and staff development.  In addition to leading his campus, he has also had the opportunity to collaborate with Office Depot and IBM to develop a personalized student learning network through the use of Watson. 

Dr. Messer grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. At Emporia State, he played college baseball and received his bachelor's degree in secondary education. After graduating from Emporia State, he went on to complete his master's degree in secondary education from the University of New Mexico.  In his spare time, Dr. Messer enjoys playing the guitar, exercising, researching, and spending time with family.    

Education

  • Master's in Secondary Education
    University of New Mexico
  • Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership
    Creighton University
  • Bachelor's in Secondary Education
    Emporia State University

Research Interests

My research interests include leadership sustainability, mentorship, and staff development.

Program Affiliations

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Doctor of Education

This customizable degree is designed to help you advance your understanding of a wide range of curriculum development and instructional methods that can improve teaching and learning in diverse educational settings.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Instructional Technology Doctor of Education

This customizable degree is designed to help you advance your understanding of methods of instructional technology for a wide range of educational settings. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Leadership Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education in Leadership program is designed to help you advance your leadership and research skills within your chosen discipline, whatever that may be. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Public Health Education Doctor of Education

The customizable Doctorate in Public Health Education is designed for healthcare educators and professionals who wish to address public health issues through education in local, national and international communities at the post-master’s level.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction degree is for leaders who wish to advance their skills in curriculum development and instructional methods at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in District Level Administration Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in District Level Administration degree is designed for educational leaders who wish to become a superintendent or district level administrator. This program equips students with the skills necessary to effectively lead a PreK-12 school district.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Instructional Technology Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Instructional Technology degree for leaders who want to advance their knowledge in instructional technology at the post-master’s level without needing to complete a dissertation. You will use theoretical foundations and current real-world practices to support the development of relevant technology that meet the needs of diverse learners.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Leadership Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Leadership degree is designed for leaders who wish to pursue advanced training at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation. You will learn advanced leadership skills and competencies that will make you a more effective leader.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Public Health Education Educational Specialist

The Education Specialist in Public Health Education degree is designed for educators and healthcare professionals who wish to address public health issues through education in local, national and international communities at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education

This program provides PreK-12 educators with a thorough background of current scientific research and pedagogy to help them learn how students learn. It is designed around the “learn, apply, assess” model to maximize gains in student performance.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction for Graduates of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Master of Education

16

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Educational Business Administration Master of Education

The Master of Education in Educational Business Administration program was designed for those who want to develop business and leadership skills in an educational setting. Framed by the standards from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), the program prepares strategic leaders for senior administrative positions in a variety of settings including public, charter, and private schools, as well as community colleges and other educational institutions or learning organizations.

35

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Elementary Education Master of Education

Specifically designed for elementary teachers who wish to advance their expertise and skills, the Master of Education in Elementary Education degree will build on their current understanding of young students’ learning needs and introduce them to new ways of incorporating technology into the classroom.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership Master of Education

This degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to help other teachers reach their full potential. You’ll learn to interpret research on leadership models, teacher evaluation, and motivation, and use it to develop professional learning opportunities that promote continuous improvement

31

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training Certificate

This certificate is designed to help you utilize teaching skills in an environment that requires professional development, team building, or training to improve personal, collaborative skills in adults. Theories of interaction are taught through experiential activities that you can apply to training opportunities.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study Certificate

This program is designed for students wishing to design their own program of study at the post-master’s, advanced level. Students can choose from a variety of courses to study the topics they want to study.

30

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Leadership Certificate

This program is for graduate students who wish to develop their personal and professional leadership skills. This certificate provides leadership skill development that spans all disciplines, including education, nursing and other healthcare roles, administration and business.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Teacher Leadership Certificate

Developed to enhance professional skills, this program provides an opportunity for teachers to learn how to support other teachers through learning how to help them reach their potential in teaching.

18

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Leadership Micro-Credential

Leadership is more than managing tasks; it involves investing in individuals, pursuing effective policies and procedures to ensure an organization is successful. Enhancing personal and professional abilities and traits, this micro-credential identifies practices of exemplary leadership, asking students to engage in actions leading to change through shared vision, analyzing processes, and enabling others to reach their potential through shared modeling and advocacy. Leaders make a difference as they bring change.

9

Semester Credits

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