At last month’s fall commencement ceremonies at historically Black Grambling State University in Louisiana, seven students were awarded doctorates in developmental education. This is the largest number of doctoral degrees awarded by Grambling State University in its history.
One of the seven new doctoral degree holders is Kevin Sly, a lecturer in the university’s College of Business. He is a 1983 graduate of Grambling State University and holds a master’s degree from Webster University. His dissertation studied the experiences of first-year Black students majoring in business at Grambling.
After receiving his doctorate. Dr. Sly stated “I still remember my humble beginnings and where I came from. Though I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, I’m just a country boy trying to be the best he can be. My wife, children, grandchildren and family members have been my greatest inspiration. Because of them, I pushed myself. I didn’t want to let them down. All my professors from my undergraduate computer science program, to my major professor in the doctoral program, have been more than I can ask for!”
Other students among this record-setting group of doctoral degree recipients are:
Rosemary Agbor of Austell, Georgia
Dissertation Title: The Impact of Prison-Based Education Programs on Recidivism
Mary Jane Cahee of Rushton, Louisiana
Dissertation Title: Perceptions of African American Male Students Utilizing Learning Assistance Centers at Predominantly White Institutions
Christine Crowder of St. Louis, Missouri
Dissertation Title: An Analysis of Selected Demographic Factors on the Counseling Needs of At-Risk High School Students in an Urban School District
Rudolph Ellis of Belize City, Belize
Dissertation Title: Student Narratives in Experiential Learning: Exploring Students’ Perceptions on Personal Growth, Academic Performance and Career Readiness Based on Internship and Practicum Courses
Cynthia Hester of Shreveport, Louisiana
Dissertation Title: An Exploratory Study of Money Goals and Personal Finance: Knowledge of Traditional and Non-Traditional Developmental Students at Two Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Robin Ozz of Phoenix Arizona
Dissertation Title: Student Perceptions of Necessary Elements for Success in an Online Developmental English Course
