Lucinda Schaeffer, EdD

Current Position: Assistant Professor of Education, Education Department Chair, and Director of Education Programs at Alvernia University

Story Last Updated: Summer 2024

In high school, Luci Schaeffer wanted to become a pharmacist and began applying to colleges. Luci was accepted to Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in the PharmD program. After one semester, Luci had to leave due to finances.

“In what was a whirlwind of about two weeks, I found myself moving into my new dorm room at Shippensburg University. After taking what felt like a long time to find my bearings and adjust to my new path, I fell in love with SHIP,” Luci said.

Luci graduated in 1999 with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in marketing. After graduating, Luci tried a few jobs, but found the business world wasn’t the right fit.

In 2002, Luci had her first child, Adam, and took some time off to be with him. She eventually decided to find a part-time job, so she became a kindergarten aide.

“I was placed with the most amazing teacher, and it only took a couple of months before I felt the urge to become a teacher,” Luci said.

In January 2004, Luci decided to go back to school, attending Alvernia University to earn her teaching degree. One year later, in December 2005, she graduated with her Master of Education in Urban Education with a certification in Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education (K-12), and Middle School Mathematics (6-9).

“To be honest, I was only interested in teaching kindergarten when I started, but in early 2005, my son was diagnosed with Autism. Naturally, my interest in special education grew exponentially,” Luci said.

I did not choose education. Education chose me. Although I am the daughter of two educators, I never saw myself as a teacher. I discovered teaching as a paraprofessional and was drawn to special education after my son was diagnosed with Autism.

Choosing GMercyU

When searching for schools that offer a doctorate in Special Education, GMercyU caught Luci’s eye for several reasons. She was seeking a school located in Pennsylvania that offered an online program with easy access to campus.

“I did not know much about GMercyU, but when I said the name to friends and colleagues, I only heard good things about it, and when I visited the website, I liked what I saw,” Luci recalls.

Pursuing Her Doctorate

When pursuing her M.Ed., Luci became close with the professor who taught about Autism and was taking her class when Adam was diagnosed. When her professor went on sabbatical in 2018, Luci was asked to cover one of her classes as an adjunct. She was soon asked to cover more classes and fell in love with higher education.

“I applied for a job at my alma mater, Alvernia University, and was hired as an instructor. I chose to pursue by EdD in special education because of my new job and I wanted to deepen my special education knowledge. I could have sought to earn a different degree, but special education felt right to me,” Luci said.

Experience in GMercyU’s EdD Program

Luci didn’t know what to expect when she began the program, but soon learned that time management would be the key to her success.

Luci began the program in March 2020 and graduated in December 2022.

“While some days felt like years, the whole journey seems to fly. Because of COVID, I was not able to participate in the residencies in person, but our professors did their best to make the online experiences meaningful and engaging,” Luci said.

She really loved the opportunity to present to various groups, particularly at GMercyU’s Educators’ Symposium, the Autism Institute, and residencies.

Professors Who Made a Difference

Although GMercyU has a healthy-sized doctoral program, just about any professor I met through my studies made me feel like I was a priority. They gave me their focus when we met which made me feel valued.

Dr. Tamarah Smith is one professor that stood out to Luci.

“She knows how to explain things clearly, she’s always available for support, she consistently demonstrates patience and kindness, and it is obvious she is committed to delivering the best educational experience she can,” Luci shared.

Dr. Tiffany Cresswell-Yeager and Dr. Oksana Mykhed are two other professors Luci enjoyed.

“They offered valuable support during the dissertation writing process in the form of meaningful feedback and encouragement,” Luci said.

Luci’s Dissertation

Compared to other doctoral programs, GMercyU offers a more unique dissertation experience. Rather than completing all courses and then writing her dissertation, GMercyU’s program is designed so students began their dissertation almost immediately.

I found this process to be great because it kept my mind on my research and my eyes on my goal.

Luci focused her dissertation on the topic Primary Factors Influencing Disability Disclosure and Use of Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in Postsecondary Schools.

Her inspiration for the topic came from the students she encountered at Alvernia. Luci had a good understanding of disability support in K-12 schools but was not well versed in higher education. She became fascinated by the disability disclosure process and was curious as to why some students chose to not access accommodations. Luci wanted to better understand student experiences and their decision-making process.

“A piece of advice we were given in the beginning was to choose a topic that would never bore us. I never got bored. In fact, I am looking forward to conducting more research about this topic,” Luci said.

In March 2023, Luci will be speaking at the Estern Psychological Association on "Neuro Diversity" alongside Dr. Smith and a fellow EdD student. 

                                        

Looking Towards the Future

Luci loves working in higher education.

“I feel like I have been preparing for this for decades. From my personal experiences to my professional ones, I can offer a perspective from both sides of the IEP table. It is my goal to raise up educators I would want for my own children,” Luci said.

Advice for Future Educators

“Seize opportunities to work with students. Work as an aide during summer school, tutor students, be a substitute teacher to get a feel for different grade levels… Do not have a closed mind when it comes to teaching a certain grade or subject because you may discover your heart singing in the most unexpected places,” Luci said.

Unending Promise

In 2012, Luci started her own nonprofit called Unending Promise. The organization is 100% volunteer-based and supports individuals with autism and their support systems, providing them with a safe place. 

The focus of Unending Promise is on older teens and adults, and caregivers talk and support one another separately. 

The program is fueled solely by donations and activities are at no cost. 

Learn more about Unending Promise here.