DCPS Executive Master’s in Leadership Recognized as an “Innovation that Inspires”

The D.C. Public Schools Executive Master’s in Leadership (DCPS EML) program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business was recognized as an Innovation that Inspires by AACSB International at its annual Deans Conference on Feb. 4.

The DCPS EML, now known as the D.C. Public School Leaders EML with the addition of the city’s charter schools, was one of 35 innovations highlighting institutions that serve as champions of change in the business education landscape. AACSB received a total of 315 submissions across 33 countries.

Selected as an honoree in the Engaging a Diverse Community category, the DCPS EML program was designed to promote transformational leadership within the D.C. Public School System. By collaborating with DCPS, Georgetown McDonough adapted its successful Executive Master’s in Leadership curriculum to address the specific needs of an urban K-12 system. Read the full award summary on the AACSB website. 

“Georgetown’s goal is to develop leaders who can transform their schools to achieve the greatness for the students they serve,” said Robert Bies, professor of management and academic director of the program. “The idea for this program came from EML alumna and former Chancellor Kaya Henderson. In her view, she judged her leadership not by those who followed her, but by those who led below her. This program was designed to create transformational leaders who would change the life trajectories of the students in their schools.”

The DCPS EML program also is one of the many ways Georgetown University serves its local community.

“Georgetown McDonough views DCPS as a critical local institution within a diverse community divided along the lines of social class and race, among others,” Bies said. “Building on Georgetown’s values, the school seeks to impact the formative years of Washington, D.C.’s underserved youth, allowing students to chart new paths for themselves.”