Celebrating Excellence: BGSU Doctoral Students Receive 'Outstanding Articles of the Year' Award

The Schmidthorst College of Business has a long history of changemakers and thought leaders, but this recent award highlights the passion, commitment and thoughtful insights that our Organizational Development and Change doctoral students bring to our community. This distinction has recently illuminated seven exceptional individuals who are shaping the future of organizational development and change management.

Unlike conventional doctoral programs, the Organization Development and Change program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) attracts seasoned professionals who bring an average of more than two decades of practical experience to the academic space. This unique characteristic empowers students with a wealth of real-world insights, enabling them to bridge theory and practice seamlessly. Their contributions not only amplify their own expertise but also enrich the broader field of organizational development.

The Organization Development (OD) Review published a special section focused on "Advancing OD Doctoral Education Through Publishing". In 2023, the entire collection received the prestigious award for Outstanding Articles of the Year. This award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to the OD Network’s professional publication, Organization Development Review (ODR).

Lisa Meyer, the section editor, eloquently articulated the significance of this achievement:

“The range and depth of the articles presented in this special collection mirror the multifaceted nature of organizational development itself. With titles that span from "The Role of OD in Artistic Programming" to "Cross-Gender Mentorship: Unlocking Unrealized Leadership Potential," these doctoral students have explored an array of subjects, drawing on their diverse backgrounds and experiences to shed light on vital aspects of change management. Through their writing, they are connecting past experiences to new learning, applying theory to real problems, developing their voice and their Use of Self."

More about the articles included in the special section:

Raynel Frazier's exploration of the alignment between an arts organization's values, commitment to diversity, and artistic programming exemplifies the application of OD principles in unexpected arenas.

Herbert Homan leverages his experience as a state trooper to delve into the intersection of OD and law enforcement, unveiling the profound influence of organizational culture on officer decision-making.

Val Kaba's analysis of banking industry practices unveils insights into promoting better banking habits in low-income communities, reflecting Kaba’s commitment to societal transformation.

Sara Kline uncovers the intricate relationship between empathy and municipal public policy design, underlining the integral role of human connection in shaping effective policies.

Ebony Lothery investigates the alignment between enterprise IT and business objectives of a local government agency, showcasing the program's application of change management in the digital landscape.

Carla McKnight, drawing from a background in human resources proposes the concept of "Use of Self" as a secret sauce for OD, providing a blueprint for integrating personal authenticity into organizational culture.

David Perry's study on cross-gender mentorship unearths the untapped potential in male-female leadership collaborations, offering a fresh perspective on mentorship dynamics.

Through their meticulous research, insightful analyses and application of OD principles, these students are contributing to public good and have showcased the strength of the Doctorate of Organizational Development and Change (DODC) program at BGSU and its ability to create thought leaders in change, focused on transforming organizations, revitalizing communities and developing and unlocking human potential.

We congratulate our students for this achievement and their contributions to improving our world. Read the full issue with their work.

Bowling Green State University's Organization Development and Change program is more than an educational pursuit; it is a conduit for change and a testament to the unwavering dedication of the commitment BGSU has made to shape a better future.

Learn more about the DODC program.