Centenary College launches first hybrid M.Ed. Leadership program
Centenary College announced the launch of the Master of Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. It is the College’s first hybrid master’s program that combines online and in-person coursework. The first of its kind in the region, this degree is perfect for working educators who are ready to step into leadership roles in their schools, school districts, and communities.
Centenary’s M.Ed. program will offer students the ability to pursue their master’s degree in both virtual and in-person settings. The face-to-face learning component capitalizes on Centenary’s signature personalized, small-cohort experience with full-time faculty members who hold the highest degrees in their field. The program, which offers increased flexibility and personalization to students, can be completed in two years.
Dr. Karen Soul, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, noted, “This program has been requested by local teachers and administrators for a number of years. The Department of Education and Centenary College have responded to both the need for this critical leadership program and to the needs of adult students in our region. The Master of Educational Leadership will ensure that graduates who step into leadership roles are prepared to skillfully respond to the needs of our K–12 schools in Louisiana, as well as nationwide, and who are dedicated to the success of students and teachers.”
Centenary’s Department of Education is led by Dr. Terrie Johnson, who brings over two decades of experience in leadership in K–12 and higher education. “We are excited to provide a program to prepare educational leaders,” said Dr. Johnson. “The Centenary Department of Education will bring the values of community and professionalism that we are known for in teacher preparation to the preparation of successful leaders.”
Recent figures have shown that there are more than 3,500 classroom teachers in Caddo and Bossier Parish public schools alone. That figure easily exceeds 5,000 when teachers are included from area private schools, surrounding Louisiana parishes, and East Texas. This new hybrid program provides a convenient schedule, and the in-person classes are just a short drive to Centenary College on Saturdays.
“This program is unique in that it is the only program of its kind in the region to be offered in a hybrid format,” said Dr. Latoya Pierce, Associate VP for Innovative Learning and Inclusive Excellence at Centenary College. “Research shows that hybrid programs are the best of both worlds, offering adult learners the flexibility of some asynchronous coursework while maintaining the Centenary brand of face-to-face learning that is personalized, hands-on, and highly engaging for students. The hybrid model offered by this program is designed to meet the needs of adult learners in very thoughtful and intentional ways.”
Bossier Parish Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland knew he aspired to do more in education than teach and coach. He felt the call to leadership.
“Once I got into the program the passion and desire to be more than just what I was being taught really started to bubble up inside and motivated me to become more than a teacher,” said Rowland. “Getting this degree literally changed my stars. It changed my entire life.” And he said it all started at Centenary College. He strongly encourages teachers to consider getting their masters degrees and reinforces that the work is worth it. He tells them that “the school system needs you; the community needs you; our culture needs you.”
Dr. Cedric Ellis, Athletic Director for Caddo Parish Schools, also spoke in favor of earning an M.Ed. from Centenary College. As a young man, Ellis found himself looking for something to do with his life after playing professional basketball overseas. He was teaching and coaching when a friend encouraged him to pursue the M.Ed. at Centenary College.
“It took me two years to complete the program, and the rest is history,” said Ellis. “I went from classroom teacher to assistant principal to principal. Now I serve for the entire [Caddo Parish] district as Athletic Director and the Supervisor of Health and P.E.”
For more information on the M.Ed. program, please contact Dr. Terrie Johnson at 318.869.5066. Her email address is tsjohnson2@centenary.edu, or visit centenary.edu/educationalleadership.