The Disquisition: WCU's Capstone for Elevating Improvement Science and Equity

Date: October 30, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM EST

The authors of the book The Disquisition: An Equity-Driven Capstone for Leadership Preparation Programs will describe how their EdD faculty/program designed a capstone to elevate improvement science and equity. They draw upon 13+ years of continuous improvement especially as it connects to the CPED principles, research findings, and student evaluation. Participants will take away ideas for EdD program and capstone design.

Jess Weiler

Dr. Jess Weiler is an Associate Professor for the Educational Leadership (Ed.D) Program at Western Carolina University. She served as the EdD Program Director from 2016-2022. Under her direction, the program earned membership in the University Council for Education Administration, WCU's Academic Program of the Year for 2021, and 2021 Program of the Year for the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate. In addition, Dr. Weiler and colleagues have been awarded $6,112,909. in grant funds from the NC Principal Fellows Program to improve principal preparation. Dr. Weiler served as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal, Professional Development Provider, and Leadership Coach in PK-12 public schools for over 15 years before moving into academia. She continues to coach school leaders--building their capacity to develop, grow, and sustain collaborative learning cultures that center equity and justice. Dr. Weiler has also served on state committees to advance public school leadership including Governor Cooper's Leandro Principal Planning Workgroup and the North Carolina Principal Standard's Committee.Stephanie Beaver-Guzman

Emily Virtue

Dr. Emily Virtue is an Associate Professor of Educational Research and the Program Director for the doctorate in Educational Leadership. Before joining the faculty in the College of Education and Allied Professions, Dr. Virtue served as a lecturer in the English department and as the Retention and Completion Advisor in the Division of Student Success at WCU. Dr. Virtue has worked in Student Affairs in a number of capacities including student wellness, activities, leadership development, and community engagement. She earned her BA in Writing from the University of Mount Union (2006), a MA in English from University of North Carolina Wilmington (2008), and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Clemson University (2019).