Ed.D. Program Highlights

Dedicated and passionate, Dr. Anthony Iachetti has been involved in education for over thirty years. His first five years he was an 8^th grade social studies teacher in the Bronx.  Over his 25 years as an Elmwood Park district employee, he was previously a high school history teacher, Director of Special Services, Director of Testing, Programs and Assessment, Guidance and department supervisor.  He is a student-focused servant leader and an effective communicator who prioritizes moving forward, as he leads the district through a major construction project which includes both pre-kindergarten and multipurpose room additions on all three elementary buildings, including multi-purpose and high/middle school cafeteria. improvements.  Dr. Anthony Iachetti earned his B.A. and M.A. from Montclair State University.

Dedicated and passionate, Dr. Sumit K. Bangia has been involved in education for many years.  She has served as the Supervisor of Humanities, Director of Secondary Education, Assistant Superintendent in Mountain Lakes and Mt. Olive, and now as Superintendent of Schools in Mt. Olive.  She is a student-focused servant leader and an effective communicator who prioritizes the need for transparency with stakeholders. 

Dr. Sumit K. Bangia earned her B.S. in Secondary Education from Pennsylvania State University and her M.A. in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University. 

Morristown, NJ (October 23, 2019) 

Elizabeth DeMichino-Acquadro has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at Saint Elizabeth University to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

DeMichino-Acquadro began her career as an educator in private schools, where she was able to convey her passion for science through teaching. However, after earning her master's in educational leadership from SEU, she transitioned into more administrative roles. Currently, she is the head of upper school and guidance at Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, N.J.

DeMichino-Acquadro's dissertation, titled "Examining the Impact of Orientation and Mentoring on New Teacher Induction," examined current orientation and mentoring practices at a private suburban middle/high school. Her research ascertained the effectiveness of these methods at inducting new teachers. The findings indicated that orientation was essential for new teachers and that one of the most difficult challenges for them was understanding the school's unique culture.

As a result of this research, DeMichino-Acquadro recommended that orientation be lengthened to achieve maximal effect for new teachers. Additionally, she suggested that mentors be assigned and monitored regularly and that a focus on professional development culture be implemented.

Prior to completing both a master's and doctoral degree at SEU, DeMichino-Acquadro earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Washington University.

Morristown, N.J. (February 28, 2020) – Kurt Ceresnak has successfully defended his dissertation at the Saint Elizabeth University to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

With more than a decade of service to New Jersey public schools as a teacher, coach and school administrator, Ceresnak is passionate about education. He currently is the principal at Netcong Elementary School in Netcong, N.J., and has previously taught at the middle and high school levels. Ceresnak also has served as an athletic and academic facilitator, assistant principal, principal, superintendent intern and grant coordinator.

His dissertation titled "Perceptions and Experiences of New Jersey School Principals When Implementing and Leading Educational Change Within a School" examines the ever-changing field of education in the state's public schools and how school principals are essential in determining factors that influence change within schools.

Ceresnak surveyed and interviewed school principals in order to determine what strategies would be most successful in achieving support from the staff and implementing change within the schools. This included an examination of the principals' perceptions of methods and techniques that influence teachers' instruction to students. Ceresnak found that when implementing change, principals must have stakeholder involvement and input, as well as earn trust and develop relationships. Among his findings, Ceresnak cited providing teachers with on-going support, specifically professional development, as key factors.

Morristown, N.J. (March 9, 2020) – Matthew A. Spelker has successfully defended his dissertation at the Saint Elizabeth University to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Dedicated and passionate, Matthew A. Spelker has been involved in education for many years. Most recently, Spelker was named Superintendent of the Harding Township School district, where he worked with the Harding school community to improve instruction, school climate, and the academic achievement of its students.

In 2013, the Harding Township School District partnered with the Saint Elizabeth University and the United Way to implement the Social Emotional Learning Initiative (SELI). Spelker's dissertation titled, "The Impact of a Social Emotional Learning Initiative on a School's Climate, Bullying, and Academic Achievement" explores the impact of social and emotional learning on students' education. Social and emotional learning is an essential part of education and the creation of a safe learning environment where students can thrive.

Over a five-year span, the study examined the impact the initiative had on the district's behaviors regarding bullying and violence, the teachers', parents', and students' perceptions of the school climate, and the teachers' perception of the school's academic performance.

Spelker earned a Bachelor of Art in History in 1989 from Dickinson College, completed his A.C.T training and earned a Master of Art in Educational Leadership from the Saint Elizabeth University in 2006.