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Chautauqua Lake’s Liddell boosts education career by earning doctorate

Josh Liddell, Chautauqua Lake Central School principal, recently earned his doctorate from the University of Buffalo. Pictured from left are daughter Palmer; wife Chantelle; son Paxton; Dr. Liddell; daughter Paesyn; Dr. Corrie Stone-Johnson, UB Professor dissertation committee member; and Dr. Tom Ramming, UB professor dissertation committee member.

MAYVILLE — Learning never ends, at least for Dr. Josh Liddell.

Liddell, the Chautauqua Lake Central School principal, continued his never-ending pursuit of education with a temporary stop as he recently received his doctorate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

“Lifelong learning is important,” Liddell said in an interview. “I make mistakes everyday. I learn everyday. It’s important to not stay stagnant on what you think you know.”

Liddell has worked in the Chautauqua Lake Central School District since 2005.

Surrounded by his wife, three daughters and his parents, Liddell participated in the UB’s commencement ceremony in May. To be in the company of his family was a moment he’ll cherish forever, describing it as “the most powerful thing.” Liddell said earning a doctorate has always been an accomplishment he desired.

“The completion of my doctorate and dissertation would never have been possible without the support and encouragement from my remarkable family,” Liddell said. “A sincere thank you to my wife Chantelle and our three beautiful children Paxton, Paesyn and Palmer.”

Liddell joked that he felt like he’s always been involved in some type of collegiate course work. While working at Chautauqua Lake and raising his three children, Liddell has been working for the last six years to complete the program. He recalled putting in an estimated 10 to 15 hours a week.

“I call it 9 to midnight,” he said of when he would usually work on assignments after his family went to sleep.

Oftentimes, the work would keep Liddell awake longer than midnight. And on those nights he’d soon have to be up at 5:30 a.m. to get ready for work.

Liddell’s greatest concern was the late nights would affect his family — a close second was that it might affect his work life. But Liddell believes he succeeded at managing all three aspects of his life during the long process.

His doctorate work focused on educational administration and leadership. He previously earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Alfred University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union in Ohio for social studies in secondary education. Additionally, he earned an advanced certificate in school building and school district leadership from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2010.

In April, Liddell’s dissertation was approved by his oversight committee after defending his work in a routine two-hour session. The dissertation committee was comprised of UB professors Dr. Stephen Jacobson, Dr. Thomas Ramming and Dr. Corrie Stone-Johnson.

Liddell’s dissertation work focuses on rural school superintendents in New York state by examining the connection between their leadership behaviors and academic achievement among students. He also pointed out that superintendents in rural schools will have different roles and experiences than those in more urban areas.

The conclusion of his work found that superintendents in high achieving rural districts exhibited transformational leadership behaviors at higher levels when compared to superintendents in low-achieving districts.

Additionally, superintendents exhibited leadership behaviors and practices that aligned with multiple areas within the full-range leadership model. The study also found that district wealth was a significant factor on student performance.

“Personally and professionally, it has been great getting to know and work with Josh on his journey to becoming Dr. Liddell. He is not only a strong student but also a great guy,” Ramming said.

“His research on the rural school superintendency is valuable to the educational field and the knowledge he has gained throughout the process will be an asset to his present and future endeavors in school administration. Liddell has a bright future ahead of him.”

Liddell’s work will be published on Proquest online this month.

Liddell believes his newest achievement and the research he underwent has better prepared him for his future, whatever form that takes. However, his doctorate work has enhanced his ability to better perform in his current role as principal in a community he loves.

“The community, students, administration, teachers and board of education at Chautauqua Lake are great to work with and over the past decade, we have accomplished a lot together,” he said.

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