Russell Sage Educational Leadership Graduate Wins National Award 

When Nicole Bogdanowicz Marschilok, Ed.D., began her doctoral research at Russell Sage College’s Esteves School of Education, she wanted to understand what helped women succeed in what she saw as “one of the most challenging administrative jobs anyone can have.”

Her research became an important part of her application essay for the Henry H. Hill Laureate Scholarship from Kappa Delta Pi, the national professional association and honor society for educators. Marschilok received the scholarship in spring 2026, the same year she completed her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

For her dissertation, The Leaders Who Stay: Exploring the Experiences That Contribute to the Success and Retention of Female Superintendents, Marschilok interviewed female superintendents in New York state about the experiences and resources that contributed to their success and retention, with particular attention how they maintain their emotional well-being.

A majority of her interviewees had been encouraged to pursue a superintendency by other superintendents and high level administrators, both male and female.

“Many of them had been principals, or assistant principals, or directors, and they took that leap because of people encouraging them,” Marschilok said, adding that maintaining well-being emerged as another important insight. “They were very aware of taking care of themselves, and making sure that they had an emotional and physical balance because of the stressors that come with their job.”  

Marschilok is an associate in instructional services for science in the New York State Education Department’s Office of Standards and Instruction. She works with educators, districts, and organizations to strengthen New York’s P-12 science curriculum, instruction, and guidance.

She joined the state in 2019 after more than 15 years of teaching and administrative work in public school districts and holds School District Leader and School Building Leader certifications. She said that with her Ed.D., she is prepared for her next professional goal.

“I never became a superintendent in my educational journey, but I am absolutely inspired and now energized to become one,” Marschilok said. “I love my role in the state, but if I can give more, now that I’ve learned so much, then I’m ready to take that next step.”

Marschilok described receiving her Ed.D. from Russell Sage as a “full circle moment.”

She earned an associate degree at Sage in 1996, when the college’s Albany campus was known as Sage Junior College of Albany. She founded a Ski and Snowboarder Club, worked for the Admissions office as an orientation leader, and was voted to be the student speaker at graduation. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she returned to Sage as a biology tutor.

While researching Ed.D. programs, she spoke to doctoral candidates from a few different universities. Her conversations with Sage doctoral candidates “helped me remember what Sage was like,” she said. “They said the program felt rigorous, supportive, and deeply connected, like a place where they were truly known and valued. And that conversation encouraged me to go back to pursue my doctorate degree, and reminded me how Sage really felt like home.”

She is also proud to share her affiliation as a dual Sage graduate and education professional with her late father, Joseph Slavin Bogdanowicz ’71, ’73, who earned associate and bachelor’s degrees at Sage in the 1970s, and taught sixth grade in the Albany City School District for over 25 years.

“With this Ed.D., I feel like I’m following in my dad’s footsteps and giving back to my hometown.”

Marschilok was recently invited to serve as a board member for the Russell Sage College Alumni Association.

“I’m really excited about being asked to be part of that,” she said. “I’m very protectful of our college, our name, and our legacy, and I want to inspire others to continue their education or start their educational journey at Sage.” 

She specifically wants to encourage educators to consider Russell Sage’s Educational Leadership program.

“With the support and the guidance that are provided, you can do it,” said Marschilok, who completed the three-year Ed.D. program while working full time and raising two children. The close-knit cohort model, which brought together educators with diverse experiences from across the state, was especially powerful and ultimately one of the main reasons she decided to apply to the program saying “Being on this three-year journey together made the learning experience truly multidimensional. We were not only learning from our professors, but also from one another’s experiences, perspectives, and growth along the way.” 

She said the summer sessions were intensive and well organized, that she valued the relevance of the coursework and readings, but most importantly she cherished the connections she made with the Sage professors and her Ed.D. cohort. 

“My cohort, we still talk,” she said. “We have a running text chain. We are constantly encouraging each other, sharing opportunities, and checking in with one another,” she said. “I would encourage anyone to apply to be part of the Ed.D. program and be part of the Russell Sage family. It’s a powerful and lasting experience.”