This book introduces readers to eight remarkable women who successfully completed doctorates after overcoming difficult starts and obstacles. Its purpose is to encourage other potential PhD or EdD students and to urge them to consider the full range of ups and downs they may encounter on their journeys. The women hail from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and many returned to college after a long hiatus. They earned their doctoral degrees in educational leadership, business administration, speech language pathology, and dance through online, in-person, and hybrid doctoral programs. Some of the situations they experienced included losing spouses and parents, assuming enormous debt, giving up well-established work-life balances, and dealing with administrative and research difficulties. While such challenges might seem insurmountable, these women all eventually achieved their goals. Recommended for readers who are trying to determine if they should pursue a PhD or EdD. This book stresses that while every person’s journey is different, the key to being successful in earning a terminal degree is support from others and asking for help if needed.
— Library Journal
As a higher education professor who teaches doctoral students, I can attest to the heightened sensitivity they undergo at this level. Surely, Inspired to Climb Higher will enhance their understanding and comfort level!
— Hilliard L. Lackey, coordinator of doctoral student development, Jackson State University; Executive PhD Program in Urban Higher Education
Inspired to Climb Higher provides wonderfully honest and accessible stories of victory, advice, and insight into the doctoral program experience and the dissertation process. Read expecting to learn lessons for reaching your goal of becoming a PhD/EdD regardless of what life sends your way. The book speaks to resilience and power in self-knowledge and allowing others to walk this journey with you.
— Dawn R. Person, faculty emeritus and director of the Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership (C-REAL)
For anyone who is weighing whether to pursue a doctoral degree, Inspired to Climb Higher provides an honest look into eight doctoral journeys full of helpful reflections and practical insights. This book is a must read!
— Su Swarat, senior associate vice president for institutional effectiveness and planning, California State University, Fullerton
I am excited to endorse the book Inspired to Climb Higher as a guide for those embarking on the challenging journey towards earning their doctoral degree. Authored with insight and thoughtfulness, this book serves as a beacon of inspiration and practical wisdom for doctoral candidates navigating the sometimes-complex path of academia
— Trinity Davis, founder and CEO of Teachers Like Me
Inspired to Climb Higher speaks to the joys of being a lifelong learner and the challenges that doing so presents in conjunction with the various phases of life.
— Veronica Wade-Hampton, Wade-Hampton Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Intriguing and relatable insight to the good, bad, and ugly of maneuvering higher education while juggling life. Remarkable must read for everyone aspiring to greatness.
— Valerie Pulphus, assistant director of finance, US Department of Justice
Life is a journey and there are many roads that lead one to achievements. After reading the Foreword, the Table of Contents and some of the subject matter in Inspired to Climb Higher: The Journey, The Challenges, The Questions, The Struggles, and The Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree, I am convinced that this book is a road map on one of life's many roads to achievements. I fully endorse the contents of this book.
— Anthony Wayne Richard, MSW, Richard’s Accounting Services, New Orleans, LA, Southern University at New Orleans Alum
These inspirational stories give readers true information on pursing higher education to become effective leaders in their chosen fields.
— Laura Kamenitsa, retired educator, media specialist and teacher librarian
Wow! An exceptional book that will motivate and guide you to achieve your dreams toward higher learning.
— Cheryl Pulphus, M.Ed, retired educator; 37 years of service; Teacher of the Year: DeKalb County School District, GA - 2020 and 2021, sergeant major (Retired USAR)
The tenacity and focus needed to enter a doctoral program is not for the faint at heart. Inspired to Climb Higher provides much needed guidance and best practices in successfully navigating that special world of intense study. The eight women in the book demonstrate the process in an excellent manor; leaving no one behind who really aspires to climb higher.
— Marcus E. Bishop, visual artist, educator, 2015 Teacher of the Year, Salem IB Middle School, DeKalb County School District, St. Mountain, GA
To witness and then read several items regarding the book, Inspired to Climb Higher, I understand clearly and succinctly the need to guide and support others on the doctoral journey. This team of professional women demonstrated that working toward your goal and giving back to others made the journey; though difficult, worthwhile. Please purchase, read, and share with others this incredible but real journey of Doctoral Divas who climbed higher.
— Henry Cooley Jr., president, C-Factor, Inc.; training specialist and consultant, Decatur, Georgia, retired senior investigator, Fulton County District Attorney Office, GA.
Inspired to Climb Higher describes the process of completing a doctoral degree through the experiences of eight women, each of whom shares a unique perspective about her motivation for pursuing the degree, the challenges she faced, the ways she overcame obstacles, and the rewards of her pursuit. For students coming from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, the personal anecdotes and practical, hands-on advice in Inspired to Climb Higher will encourage them to consider, pursue, or complete doctoral degrees.
— Samuel Lyndon Gladden, professor of English, and dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development, University of New Orleans and Nancy Biggio, associate vice president, Graduate School, University of New Orleans