JTC 26: Twenty Years in the Making

Michael Meurrier has worked at the University of Mississippi since 2005. He arrived as the campus physical therapist in a joint effort between Student Health Services and the Department of Athletics, and spent two decades treating athletes and serving students before adding another credential to his name.

The Batesville native had considered graduate programs over the years but never found one that fit around his schedule until a chance encounter in his own clinic changed everything. A professor he was treating as a patient encouraged him to look into the online Doctor of Education program in higher education.

He enrolled, and in May he graduates with his doctorate, all while working full time, raising a family of five and waking up at 5 a.m. to get it done.

Q&A with Michael Meurrier

Were there any challenges you overcame during your college journey?

The hardest part was finding the time to get the work and writing done. I had a full-time job, a family of five, church commitments, mission trip opportunities and mentoring commitments in my current role.

It was difficult to balance all of those, and it took me a semester to figure out how I could keep a consistent schedule where it would not affect my family or other commitments.

I quickly realized that between 5 and 7 a.m., I could get consistent work done without interruptions. This allowed me to get things done consistently and slowly versus having to write all weekend to catch up.

It has been an adjustment, but the routine has been a game changer for me, as I do not have work flexibility to get school work done during the day.

Who has been your most influential mentor, professor or supporter at Ole Miss?

Dr. Amy Wells Dolan has been such a blessing to me during the program. Her mentorship, guidance and encouragement have been foundational to my success. The dissertation process has gone smoothly with her knowledge and input to gently direct me in ways that were so productive as I reflect back on the experience.

She was willing to meet with me monthly to keep me on track, and she always took time to connect with me personally before diving into the work. I will forever be grateful for her leadership, and I hope to be a mentor to students like she has been to me.

How has your Ole Miss education prepared you for your next steps?

The education has prepared and challenged me to continue learning and growing as a leader. The classes on leadership have opened my eyes to see areas where I can continue to develop my skills in providing leadership to students and teams that I serve.

 As I told my committee, the learning in the program far exceeds the credentials that you receive from earning the degree. For example, while researching for the dissertation, I was exposed to people and stories that have led to me reading books and other materials that have been transformative in how I understand the impact of mentoring relationships and in my growth as a person.

This education has prompted me to listen and understand others' views, and it has helped me grow in developing and expressing my views on matters of education, mentorship and leadership.