Across West Virginia and the nation, schools are searching for their next generation of leaders. As teacher shortages persist and many veteran principals prepare to retire, the need for thoughtful, community-centered leadership has never been greater.
West Virginia University's College of Applied Human Sciences is helping meet that need through its online Leadership Studies in Education, M.A. program. Designed for working educators, the program prepares future leaders to strengthen both their schools and the communities they serve through a distinct focus on place-based leadership.
To learn more about what makes the program unique, and why this approach matters now, we spoke with Erin McHenry-Sorber, Ph.D., Alice Trotter Muffly Endowed Professor and a nationally-recognized scholar on rural education.
Photo: Principal greeting elementary students in school hallway
Leading with Community at the Center
A defining feature of WVU’s leadership studies in education program is its emphasis on place-based leadership. This approach encourages leaders to recognize and build on strengths within their communities.
“Place-based leadership prepares educators to identify the assets already present in their communities,” McHenry-Sorber explains. “That includes partnerships with local organizations, employers, or service providers that help schools better support students.”
This focus helps distinguish the program from more traditional leadership preparation models by positioning schools as anchors within their communities.
Addressing Urgent Needs in Education Leadership
The role of a school leader is complex. They balance student needs, community expectations and state and federal requirements, all of which are constantly changing. These factors bring both challenges and opportunities for future school leaders. Principals play a critical role in shaping student outcomes, as well as in recruiting and retaining teachers.
With teacher shortages affecting school districts across the entire country, and in particular in West Virginia, preparing strong leaders has become increasingly urgent. At the same time, many current principals are approaching retirement in the coming years, creating a growing need for leaders ready to step into these roles
”Our goals are to prepare leaders who are committed to supporting students, educators, and the communities they serve,” McHenry-Sorber said.
Supporting Rural Schools by Building on Their Strengths
McHenry-Sorber's work in rural education has helped shape the program’s approach to educational leadership preparation. Rural schools often face challenges related to transportation, access to services, and policies designed for larger school systems, they can also benefit from the strong relationships they cultivate in communities that are deeply invested in their success.
Reflecting on her own background, McHenry-Sorber notes, “I’m a product of rural schools myself. It’s especially meaningful to work with educators that are committed to strengthening their communities in order to create opportunities for students close to home.”
“It’s especially meaningful to work with educators that are committed to strengthening their communities in order to create opportunities for students close to home.” Erin McHenry-Sorber, Ph.D.
Future principals need to recognize the intrinsic strength of those rural communities and build on them to reflect the unique needs of their region. At the same time, rural communities often have strong relationships and a deep commitment to their schools. Place-based leadership helps leaders build on those strengths.
Preparing for Leadership in Today's Schools
Public education has the power to transform lives, not only for students but also for their communities. Through its place-based leadership approach, the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, under the lead of Dr. Erin McHenry-Sorber, is preparing the next generation of school leaders to help lead the way in West Virginia and beyond,
A new Summer 2026 start term has been added for the online Leadership Studies in Education, M.A. program. Educators interested in taking the next step in their career are encouraged to explore the program and connect with Graduate Student Success and Enrollment Specialist Melinda Gallagher.