Captain Kathryn “Kat” Wijnaldum

Captain Kathryn “Kat” Wijnaldum, EdD’19, is a distinguished U.S. Navy surface warfare officer with a nuclear specialty whose career has included command responsibilities and a commitment to excellence in leadership. As a woman of color in a predominantly male field, she has navigated unique challenges while rising through the ranks to become a respected leader in the naval community. “If I had the privilege to command again, I wanted to be able to really invest in my crew and teach them,” Capt. Wijnaldum reflected.

This desire led her to Creighton’s online Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Leadership (EdD). The program’s flexibility and rigorous curriculum appealed to her drive for excellence and the need for a schedule that accommodated her demanding military duties. Pursuing an online doctorate in leadership while maintaining a full-time military career is no small feat. Capt. Wijnaldum’s journey was marked by dedication and meticulous time management. “I carried my laptop everywhere I went,” she recalls. “There were times where I’d be at my son’s baseball game, doing homework, peeping up and looking, saying ‘okay, good job,’ and then working again.”

Despite these challenges, Capt. Wijnaldum’s commitment to growth never wavered.

Creighton’s online leadership doctorate proved the perfect fit, emphasizing real-world application and diverse perspectives. It aligned perfectly with her needs as a military leader. “The Creighton experience taught me how to communicate effectively, quickly, sometimes succinctly or sometimes with great depth,” Capt. Wijnaldum explained. “To the degree where once someone reads what I write, they understand, and they’re aligned to get on board with what I’m recommending or provide me forceful feedback and then I modify and adjust.”

One of the standout features of Creighton’s program is its vibrant online community. For Capt. Wijnaldum, who describes her military life as “regimented and somewhat secluded,” the diversity of perspectives was eye-opening. “It was priceless,” she said. “From a professional academic standpoint, it was just encouraging to witness people committed to bettering themselves, who are not satisfied with remaining where they currently are.”

Creighton’s philosophy is to foster a learning space where faculty and students bring their diverse life experiences, unique perspectives and knowledge to conversations founded on real-life scenarios. The program prepares individuals to collaborate and thrive in various leadership roles, extending beyond the classroom.

The rigorous nature of Creighton’s program also pushed her to new heights. “There were no gimme grades in the program. There was no compromise. I had to learn how to rise to the occasion, and I’m grateful it made me better,” she reflected.

Completing an online doctorate in leadership at Creighton University opened doors for Capt. Wijnaldum, but more importantly, it fostered profound personal growth. The skills and insights gained through the program have directly impacted her leadership style and effectiveness in her naval career.

“Even now, I’m a work in progress,” Capt. Wijnaldum humbly admitted. “I don’t feel as though I’ve arrived. But I’ve had to look beyond the outer layer and consider what makes us all the same.”

For those considering an online doctorate in leadership, Capt. Wijnaldum’s journey is an inspiring example of the transformational power of education. Creighton’s EdD program not only equips students with the tools to lead effectively but also fosters a community of lifelong learners committed to making a difference in their respective fields.

Creighton’s online Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Leadership offers a pathway to personal and professional transformation, whether you're a military officer or a professional in any other field. It’s more than just a degree—it’s a journey of growth, challenge and ultimate reward.