Recent Spring and Summer 2023 Doctoral Graduates

On Saturday, May 13th, the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership celebrated the accomplishments of 11 doctoral students. Students were first recognized at the University commencement exercises at the Holmes Convocation Center. During this culminating moment, each doctoral candidate was hooded on stage by their respective faculty mentor as their dissertation title was shared with the audience of University faculty and staff, graduates, family, and friends.

The formal commencement ceremony was followed by a more intimate hooding ceremony at Grandview Ballroom in the North End Zone at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Everyone was greeted by Dr. Vachel Miller, Director, Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership followed by remarks by Dr. Melba Spooner, Dean, Reich College of Education, and Dr. Marie Hoepfl, Interim Dean, Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. Student speaker Dr. Dramaine Freeman’s speech was inspired by his commute up and down the mountain. Dr. Freeman encouraged students to see the completion of the doctoral degree not as the top of “the” mountain, but as the top of “a” mountain. Dr. Freeman’s motivational message called for students to look ahead to the “next” mountain in their lives and careers. Next, as the focal point of the ceremony, each committee chair offered personalized remarks about each student’s research project and dissertation journey. Following the comments, students were hooded again on stage by their dissertation committee chair as an official declaration of the completion of their doctoral journey. After the concluding remarks by the Associate Director, Dr. Chris Osmond, graduates and guests were treated to a reception and celebratory conversations among family and friends.

 

Spring 2023 Graduates

Karen Roseboro-Anderson Collage

Dr. Karen Roseboro-Anderson

Dissertation Title:  Towards an Anti-Racist Leadership Design: A Faculty Self-Study on an Educational Leadership Curriculum

Committee:  Dr. Vachel Miller (Chair), Dr. Matthew Thomas-Reid, Dr. Brenda Champion

Student description of the dissertation journey:

“My dissertation journey has been an incredible experience of growth, perseverance, and self-discovery. Throughout the process, I found a depth of strength within myself that I never knew existed. My family was a constant source of encouragement and support, lifting me up during times of difficulty and celebrating my accomplishments along the way. Being able to make a difference in the educational leadership community has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am proud of the contributions that I have made. Overall, this journey has been a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and support.”

 

 

Dr. Chris Bottoms Collage

Dr. Chris Bottoms

Dissertation Title: Leading with Hope: Exploring a Grounded Theory of Trauma Informed Leadership for School Principals

Committee:  Dr. Jason Lynch (Chair), Dr. Shawn Ricks, Dr. Julie Hasson

Student description of the dissertation journey:

“This has been a long and arduous journey, but I would do it all over again because it has impacted my leadership as a school principal so much.”

 

 

Dr. Jon Fleisher collage

Dr. Jon Fleisher

Dissertation Title: Disrupting Enrollment Practices for Advanced Courses: Exploring Ways to Close the Opportunity Gap for Black High School Students

Committee:  Dr. Kimberly Money (Chair), Dr. Julie Hasson, Dr. Chris Osmond

Student description of the dissertation journey:

“I have learned lessons through my dissertation journey in ways that I did not think were possible. I have honed my skills as a researcher and academic writer through this process. I have also learned what perseverance means from a fresh perspective. I have grown professionally and personally in a manner that I could not envision at the outset of this journey, but I am happy and proud of the new version of myself. I will forever cherish my experiences during this journey because I am grateful for the relationships that have been forged, and I am grateful for the discerning person I have become.”

 

 

Dr. Dramaine Freeman collage

Dr. Dramaine Freeman

Dissertation Title: A BlackCrit Case Study Analysis that Explores the Influence of Societal Perceptions of Black Men on Black Male K-12 Leaders

Committee:  Dr. Ashley Carpenter (Chair), Dr. Chris Osmond, Dr. Will Sheppard

Student description of the dissertation journey:

“The dissertation journey came with suspected and inspected obstacles. However, it is through perseverance I have been able to see things differently and overcome things I never thought was possible. It was a challenging journey but a fulfilling journey.”

 

 

Dr. Dena Holman collage

Dr. Dena Holman

Dissertation Title: Interacting with Care: How Community College Student Affairs Personnel Support First-Generation Students

Committee:  Dr. PJ Nelsen (Chair), Dr. Star Brown, Dr. Roma Angel, Dr. Katherine Holm

Student description of the dissertation journey:

“This work culminates my personal and professional experiences in higher education. My dissertation journey has been like a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs, anticipation, and even surprises. I learned so much throughout my journey about my research, myself, and leadership.  I also learned why I enjoy the work I do daily through the interactions and relationships I form with the students pursuing higher education at the institution I enjoy serving.”

 

 

Dr. Becky Howell

Dr. Becky Howell

Dissertation Title: Thrive: Well-Being and Self-Care for Community College Employees: A Mixed Methods Research Study

Committee:  Dr. Chris Osmond (Chair), Dr. Karen Caldwell, Dr. Shawn Ricks

 

 

 Dr. Caroline McKaughan

Dr. Caroline McKaughan

Dissertation Title: Leadership Development for Women in Military Schools: A Mixed Methods Study of Authentic Leadership

Committee:  Dr. Jennifer McGee (Chair), Dr. Bill Gummerson, Dr. Steven WallJennifer McLean

Student description of the dissertation journey: 

“I was extremely well supported by the Doctoral Program and my dissertation committee, in particular. After completing this significant process, I feel well-prepared to duplicate the processes in my future research. Additionally, my committee worked hard to expose me to professional development opportunities and advise me on next steps. I am extremely grateful to the Doctoral Program for all their support along this journey.”

 

 

Dr. Jennifer McLean

Dr. Jennifer McLean

Dissertation Title: Epistemological Germination: Examining the Transformative Experience of First-Generation Women Professionals in Community College Leadership

Committee:  Dr. Shawn Ricks (Chair), Dr. Patti Levine-Brown, Dr. Chauntee Thrill

Student description of the dissertation journey: 

“The leadership and curriculum provided by the doctoral program provided an avenue for me to expand my theoretical knowledge and solidify my practice as a higher education administrator.”

 

 

Dr. Ashley Myers Morrison

Dr. Ashley Myers Morrison

Dissertation Title:  Opening Doors to Disruption: A Poststructural Deconstruction of Community College Discourse

Committee:  Dr. Star Brown (Chair), Dr. Alecia Jackson, Dr. Vachel Miller, Dr. Ann Marie, Radaskiewicz

Student description of the doctoral journey: 

“The doctoral program was an opportunity to expand my capacity for critical thinking in a community of learners who challenged and supported my professional and personal growth. I was introduced to new ways of seeing the world and I learned how to interact differently within the sociohistorical structures that produce us. During the doctoral journey, I found friends and colleagues who believed in me and encouraged me to be creative and take risks.  Overall, I came to learn that my words can and will create change.”

 

 

Dr. Tim Wilkinson

Dr. Tim Wilkinson

Dissertation Title:  Conditions that Affect Sense of Belonging in a Student Government at a Mid-Sized Private University: A Collaborative Ethnographic Study

Committee:  Dr. Stacey Garrett (Chair), Dr. Beth Campbell, Dr. Penny Rue

 

Summer 2023 Graduates

Kimberly Miller

Kimberly Miller

Dissertation Title:  The Impact of 37 Words: A Phenomenological Case Study of North Carolina Community College Title IX Coordinators

Committee:  Dr. Matthew Thomas-Reid (Chair), Dr. Ashley Carpenter, Dr. Beth Buchholz

Student description of the dissertation journey:

“I have been so supported by Dr. Thomas-Reid throughout my dissertation journey. He has listened and provided excellent feedback. Because of his feedback, this dissertation journey has truly been special. His attentiveness and ability to see me as more than a dissertation student has been something that I valued. He cares about this project, seeing me succeed, and meeting my goals. My committee members have also been phenomenal and this project would not be what it is today without Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Buchholz. They have cared about me throughout this process and I am so grateful.”

*The title of Dr. is reserved until the degree is officially conferred by the University at the end of the Summer semester.


Published: May 30, 2023 2:14pm

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