Danny Richer earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2018. He currently serves as the executive director of enrollment strategy for graduate and professional studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. In this Q&A he shares about his experience in Nebraska's Educational Administration Ed.D. program.
Why did you choose Nebraska for your doctoral degree?
I had so many professional research questions and things that I was personally curious about and interested in that I knew I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree. I was looking for an institution that was large enough to offer a diversity of courses covering the topics relevant to my career and interests, and that would allow me the opportunity to continue to work as a professional while also being a student.
What set Nebraska's program apart for you?
Without question, the faculty. As I was exploring programs, the EDAD faculty had research interests that aligned so well with my own work and personal interests: institutional mission and mission statements, adult learners, international education, military in higher education, community college settings. I was confident that I would find compatibility between the EDAD faculty as I discerned my own research direction, and in hindsight I was absolutely right! Dr. Cejda, Dr. Rumann, Dr. Wesley, and so many others were instrumental in my academic career.
If you had a favorite course, what was it and why?
The American Professoriate: An Administrative Perspective really stands out to me. As a professional administrator and someone who hadn’t taught in a college setting, this was incredibly eye opening – not just because of the valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of faculty work but how the role of faculty has changed over time.
How did UNL’s program help prepare you for your career and current role?
I’m incredibly grateful for my experience at UNL. Graduate student enrollment management is a departure from my previous positions in undergraduate admission, and UNL prepared me for my current position through collecting and understanding data – an essential skill for successfully writing a dissertation – and through asking better, more precise questions related to my profession and how it relates to workforce needs and changes, market analysis, cultural competencies, marketing, and communication. So UNL’s preparation stems from two equally important sources: the valuable material and subject matter, as well as the analytical, research, and practical skills developed over my program have stayed with me.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
I have always loved working with prospective students, and graduate students are unique because they have a different, more specific reason for continuing their education. It’s fascinating to learn about each student’s path, what they are looking for, and why they, on top of an already full schedule of work, family, and obligations, want to invest time and resources in their education. Much of my work is motivational, and this is specifically what I love most…telling a student that “yes, you can earn this degree. I believe in you and your abilities.” People can do incredible and inspiring things when they are encouraged, which is why commencement exercises are so powerful. Goals were set, challenges were faced, successes were achieved, and graduation is truly a celebration for the students and families who traveled down this road.
What impact do you hope to make?
I am certain that higher education leads to improvement, development, and progression of our societies. Education is an incredible opportunity to ask important questions, find solutions to problems that exist, develop skills, acquire knowledge…and that I can contribute to this through my career in admission and enrollment management by helping ambitious, motivated people access their education. I get to be a part of something greater that will change the world.
What advice do you have for someone considering pursuing an Ed.D.?
I just had this conversation with a colleague at the start of this school year…it’s important to find where your passion and your profession intersect. There are endless questions in higher ed and in each of our positions, and the Ed.D. is where I could really work on finding meaningful, applicable strategies to be more successful at work. Think about that burning question you have, and focus first your admission application and then your coursework, assignments, papers, research, and energy on that question. Doing this builds your dissertation from day one of your doctoral program and starts to develop answers to your question.
What does it mean to you to be a Husker alum?
I’m so proud to be a Husker graduate. To me, being a Husker means I am part of a global community and I am connected to others who share the same way. I live in New England, 1500 miles from campus, and yet I feel as connected and linked as the day I graduated. The UNL values of leadership, excellence, achievement, diversity, engagement, and even research have become my own values for my work and for my life.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Educational Administration
