Q & A
What led you to want to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors?
The support that was provided during my time earning degrees from the School of Education led me to want to give back in some way. So, when I became aware of the Board of Advisors, I expressed interest in serving. I had so many mentors in the School of Education who are still in contact with me today. I believe in the overall ability for education to transform lives.
Why did you choose to attend UM and the School of Education?
When I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in higher education, I knew that the UM School of Education graduate programs could provide me with the skills to excel in the field. I am proud to have earned both a masters and doctorate in higher education. The faculty were amazing and very supportive! Also, I remain in touch with many people who I took classes with or were in my cohort.
Tell us about your favorite professor(s) at the School of Education? How did they make a positive impact on your professional and personal pursuits?
I would have to say Dr. Amy Wells Dolan, Dr. Phillis George and Dr. Macey Edmondson. I had several courses with Dr. Wells Dolan in both the masters and the doctoral program, and she is someone that I am still connected with today. Dr. George was just an inspiration from the moment I stepped into her class. She was tough, but it made me want to be better. I always enjoyed working with her in class. Finally, I cannot say enough about Dr. Edmondson. She is the reason that I have earned my doctorate. I experienced some very difficult personal challenges while I was pursuing my EdD, but I always knew that she was in my corner as my advisor. If it weren't for her continuous support, I'm not sure that I would have finished the program.
Tell us about your proudest moment in education.
That's difficult. One would be when I received the Thomas Frist Student Service Award in 2018. To receive a phone call from the Chancellor notifying you that you're being recognized in that way was very humbling. The work that we do in higher education, at times, can be difficult and isn't always the most glamorous. So, to know that someone nominated me meant a lot. It was also important because so many people like Valeria Ross, Linda Spargo and Donald Cole were prior recipients of the honor. The other would have to be earning the doctorate in education. It was a goal of mine, and especially as a first generation college student, was something that I wasn't sure I could do. When my mother passed away, I wasn't sure I could continue pursuing the degree. However, the support from the School of Education made it possible.