Since 1990, over 55 RSED student graduates have received their Ph.D. degree, with an emphasis in either rehabilitation, special education, or early childhood special education.

A sample of colleges and universities in which some of RSED's graduates hold academic rank include: Auburn University, George Washington University, University of Kentucky, Georgia State University, Utah State University, Arkansas State University, University of Maine, Walla Walla Washington University, Troy State University, Birmingham Southern College,,University of Montevallo, College of Charleston, and the University of South Alabama. Others graduates have assumed administrative leadership positions such as state agency directors and special education coordinators of school districts.

In September 2005, the rehabilitation doctoral program was again awarded a leadership grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This 5-year, $750,000 grant was co-authored by rehabilitation professors Everett Martin and Randall McDaniel. It is a significant addition to the graduate rehabilitation program, which is accredited by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education and is ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as the 20^th best graduate program in rehabilitation counseling.

A complimentary leadership grant for Ph.D. students in special education was co-authored by professors Caroline Dunn and Craig Darch. Like the above grant, this 4-year, $800,000 award was nationally competitive and secured from the U.S. Department of Education.

The special education program is a member of the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (http://www.hecse.org/article_44.shtml). HECSE is a private, non-profit organization that focuses primarily on doctoral programs in special education throughout the United States. A sample of other member institutions include Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Minnesota, University of Texas, University of Virginia, and University of Oregon. .

In summary, RSED's doctoral program will continue to impact the field of disabilities with highly qualified leaders, both in the academic community and public service setting.