Student of the Year Spotlight: Jason Fuller & the Online LSUS Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

A dedicated professional, father, and lifelong learner, Jason Fuller has embraced his studies not just for himself, but also to set an example for his two young sons. His commitment, passion, and willingness to challenge ideas have set him apart, ultimately earning him the honor of being named Student of the Year in his program, the online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management. 

Below, Jason reflects on his experience, the professors who have shaped his journey, and his advice for future online learners. 

Meet Jason Fuller 

What was your initial reaction when you learned you had been named Student of the Year for your program? 

Honestly, I think my initial reaction was the most interesting part of the whole process because it was one of confusion. I'm fortunate to have several people in the program with whom I text regularly, who keep better track of their school email than I do. As such, I didn't know I had been named for the Student of the Year recognition until some of my peers started sending me “congratulatory” text messages. Truth be told, before receiving the recognition, I hadn’t realized that it even existed. 
 
After several folks texted me, I went back to my email and found the notification from Dr. Baxter, as well as the subsequent article discussing those who were recognized across the school. From there, my reaction was one of surprise and a feeling of honor to be recognized among such a talented body of students. 

What do you think helped you stand out among your peers? 

I wish I could say that I knew. In reality, almost every one of the students that I've interacted with in my program is a dedicated professional looking to further their education. If there's anything that might help me stand out, it would be that I understand that I'm doing this for myself. By that, I mean I'm not pursuing this graduate degree for the sake of a promotion or to have one more piece of paper on the wall. I am pursuing my doctorate because it has been a lifelong goal of mine to prove that I can, while setting the bar a little higher for my 10 and 11-year-old boys. I believe that passion is evident in my work. 
 
On a side, and slightly funnier, note, I also have no issue with public speaking or taking stances against commonly accepted ideals. At times, these two traits help spur healthy debates and conversations about leadership theories that might not have occurred in a setting without someone willing to challenge the status quo. Squeaky wheels tend to get the grease, after all. 

What course, professor, or moment had the biggest impact on your journey at LSUS? 

I think that's a loaded question that is almost impossible to answer. As I look back on the selection of professors I've had access to during my short time at LSUS, each one has been impactful in their own way. From Dr. Baxter, who broke me of any previous MLA habits I had with his hardcore APA editing and was my introduction to doctoral-level work, to Dr. Harrison (shoutout to an Outstanding Faculty of the Year Recipient), who has an unmatched level of approachability and passion for his work, to Dr. Gumus, who has successfully taught a firefighter advanced statistical methods, and Dr. Hildenbrand, who help me navigate the first several chapters of a dissertation, each professor has had an impact on who I am as a student and my overall journey. I feel bad only naming those four when each class or moment has been unique. 

How did you stay focused and motivated throughout your degree program? 

I think the most important thing I do is to understand that this degree program is a process, not simply an objective. It's important to me that I take one class or topic at a time and focus on really learning the information at hand. When you have the opportunity to be involved in a program like this purely because you want to, it makes it much easier to stay focused. On top of that, you will always be much more motivated by something you enjoy versus something you are forced to do. 

What study habits or routines helped you succeed academically? 

I think this question kind of answers itself, but habits and routines are what allow me to succeed academically. The day our classes meet changes from session to session and class to class, so adjustments are needed at times as I progress through the program. However, sticking to a routine has been essential for me, too. Personally, my mornings usually work out in a way that I can be at home, with everyone else asleep, and have an hour or so between the gym and getting ready for work each morning. I find it easier to focus in the mornings, and it gives me an early sense of accomplishment to start the day if I've had a chance to study or complete some tasks. 
 
One of the other things that has helped me succeed is to fold what I'm learning into my everyday life. I talk to my coworkers and subordinates about some of the leadership theories I'm learning, or we're discussing. I nag my wife and kids about it to keep it fresh in my mind. There are a bunch of ways to help cement what you are learning into your brain, but sticking to those routines is the only way to do it. 

How has this degree shaped your personal or professional goals? 

So far, the degree has not significantly impacted my professional goals, primarily because it was not specifically listed among my professional objectives to begin with. Interestingly enough, I believe that many of the theories I'm learning about explain some behaviors that I, my leaders, or my subordinates have exhibited in my previous professional experience. I'm excited to continue learning and applying my knowledge to my professional experience. 
 
Personally, obtaining this degree has been a long-standing goal of mine. From that standpoint, being successful to this point has given me a significant amount of confidence and pride, and I look forward to continuing to build upon it as I progress through the program. 

What advice would you give to future students—especially those completing their degrees online? 

I believe the most important advice I can offer to future students is to ensure that you are pursuing a degree that genuinely interests you, for the right reasons. 
 
We often hear that certain generations were encouraged to pursue higher education with the promise of success and rewards that were never fulfilled. Regardless of how people may feel about it now, I would like to reiterate the idea that obtaining a higher education is beneficial only to those who genuinely want to learn and advance themselves. When it comes to working on your degree online, that becomes even more significant because you can miss out on some of the more “traditional” benefits of in-person learning. 
 
Secondly, I would encourage students to be willing to branch out and learn about their peers in their program. While I may be in one concentration of my doctoral program, I've learned considerably more from those in other concentrations than I have from those with whom I currently share a concentration. The primary purpose of higher education is to expose students to knowledge or theories they may not have encountered before, and that they may not have even realized existed. In the online setting, it can be easy to become a recluse and seclude yourself from other people in your program. However, I would encourage students to reach out and extend that offer of “fellowship” because there is so much more to learn than what the program itself offers. 

Continuing Your Journey with LSU Online 

Jason shows that online learning can be deeply personal, impactful, and life-changing when fueled by passion and purpose. 

If you’re ready to take the next step toward advancing your education and achieving your goals, explore the flexible and accessible online programs available through the LSU system. Whether you’re seeking career advancement, personal fulfillment, or both, LSU Online offers access to pathways designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.  
 
Need a place to start? Explore the online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies, and apply today!