Centenary Announces Relaunch of Master’s in Education: Insights from Dr. Terrie Johnson

Centenary College of Louisiana announced Tuesday, April 22, the relaunch of its Master of Education Leadership (M.Ed.) program, marking a significant step in strengthening its educational offerings. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Terrie Johnson, a key architect of the initiative, discussed the program’s development, goals, and significance with The Conglomerate in an exclusive interview.

The Master’s in Education at Centenary has a long history, with alumni dating back to 2007 and 2009. About 20 graduates have gone on to careers in education. The program primarily focuses on school leadership, offering a specialized Master of Educational Leadership. The certification is designed for current educators seeking to advance into leadership roles within schools, nonprofits, and other educational organizations.

Dr. Johnson emphasized that the program is the only one of its kind in the area, offering flexible options for hybrid learning—both in-person and virtual. “This flexibility allows working professionals to pursue their degrees without disrupting their careers,” she said. With a background as a district leader in primary education, Johnson highlighted her commitment to helping educators develop the skills needed to lead and innovate. She added that students could complete the program in approximately two years.

The development of the program began roughly a year and a half ago. Johnson collaborated closely with colleagues including Dr. Pierce, Latoya Pierce, Dr. Karen Sewell, and Dr. Rachel Johnson, as well as faculty and staff across departments. They integrated digital labs and innovative teaching tools, inspired by structures of organizations like Digital You, to enhance the learning experience.

When asked about her thoughts on the program’s revival, Johnson expressed enthusiasm. She acknowledged initial challenges, such as understanding the requirements related to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC) accreditation, but said she was determined to bring the program back. She also noted that developing the curriculum was one of her favorite parts of the project, describing it as deeply rewarding. Much of the curriculum structure was influenced by Dr. Rachel Johnson’s expertise.

The program is primarily targeted at current educators seeking to expand their administrative and leadership skills. Courses will include topics such as Educational Law, Event Leadership, Financial Administration, and Supervision of Educational Institutions.

A formal press release has now been issued at the time of the announcement by Centenary Marketing.