Dr. Natalie Aleman (Higher Ed ‘19) describes Manhattanville’s legacy as creating “long-lasting, quality leaders.” Dr. Aleman exemplifies these qualities by continuing to be present in the educational field and using her research to support her current student body. Natalie has been in education for 15-plus years. She began in public education as an English teacher, and from there, transitioned to adjunct professor at various institutions. She enjoyed doing her work so much in higher education that attending Manhattanville’s doctoral program in Higher education was a natural step. She has transitioned back to English teaching at an independent prep school; a change, but one she enjoys as she can use her research on first-generation college students and create a safe space for their success.
Natalie’s parents encouraged her to continue her education, seeing it as critical to attaining the success they envisioned for her. As a first-generation student, Dr. Aleman felt that her research needed to focus on the first-generation experience. It was not easy for Natalie, who wanted to “challenge the deficit-based narratives about first-generation students.” In her research, she moved beyond highlighting challenges and focused on students’ strengths and resilience.
With the support of her chair members and committee chair, Dr. Mitchell, Natalie used varied methodologies, including visual artifacts (drawings). Mini-books capturing participants’ experiences were developed through complex personal and academic experiences. Her research is now supporting her student body of first-year students. Natalie is passionate about supporting first-generation students, particularly in independent and college preparatory schools.
During her time at Manhattanville, she was part of a supportive cohort (Team Awesome) in the higher education track. She appreciated the diverse and collaborative learning environment, which helped her complete her doctoral journey. She fondly recalls how her cohort “formed a supportive community, with regular meetings and activities that fostered a sense of family”. Dr. Aleman expresses gratitude for the support and community she found at Manhattanville, which helped her through the challenging doctoral journey.
When reflecting on the 15th Anniversary celebration, Dr. Aleman expresses pride in the program’s legacy and its impact on its graduates. The celebration serves as a reminder of the program’s success and the positive changes it has brought to the field of education.
To learn more about the doctoral program, we invite you to attend an upcoming info session
Donations to the Doctoral Program EmpowerEdD Leadership Fund support our students and their research
The “EmpowerEdD Leadership Fund” Fund was established in 2015 to pay it forward to the Manhattanville University Doctoral Program. We thank you for your generosity and support of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership!
Take Your Career to the Next Level
Elevate your leadership skills, deepen your understanding of critical and contemporary education issues, and learn to help solve the current challenges in P-20 education.
Learn to Inspire Change
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville, offered in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, utilizes a forward-thinking approach to educational leadership that is ideal for practicing and aspiring leaders in any educational context. It is designed to support the goals of educational professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills for career advancement or current job enhancement.
