Inspired to Climb Higher: The Journey, the Challenges, the Questions, the Struggles, and the Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree invites readers to experience the personal stories of eight women with unique doctoral journeys who, while facing or overcoming the sometimes-mountainous challenges of everyday life, accepted the call to seek the highest level of academic achievement. Inspired to Climb Higher is a "know before you go" guide written to help prepare anyone thinking of obtaining a doctorate for the challenges their journey might present. It provides answers to questions students might have about pursuing a doctorate. The book contains chapters devoted to questions, answers, and advice for anyone considering earning a doctoral degree, as well as a chapter meant to help prepare future candidates for the rigors and requirements of writing a doctoral dissertation.
Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdD, is a Senior Business & Computer Science teacher in Dekalb County, Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a mentor and coach to new teachers. Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas received her BS in Business Education from Alcorn State University and master's in liberal arts from Houston Baptist University. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Jyenny Babcock, EdD is a retired higher education professional turned doctoral student life coach in the greater Sacramento, California area. Dr. Babcock earned an AA in Liberal Arts/Business Administration from Foothill College; a BA in Psychology and an MA in Sociology: Research Skills Option, from California State University, and an EdD in Leadership with a Health and Wellness focus of study from American College of Education, Indiana. Noha Abdou, EdD, Dr. Noha Abdou is the Director of Institutional Research in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning at California State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo and her Master's in Public Administration from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the California State University, Fullerton. Helga M. McCullough, EdD, is a first-generation college student who earned her BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. She earned her EdD with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University. Wanda K. W. Ebright, PhD, is a tenured, full professor of dance, serving in her second year as Dean of the College of the Arts at Columbus State University in Georgia. Prior to this, she served as Associate Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University in South Carolina, Chair of the Department of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina and, Dance Program Coordinator at Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina. She earned her PhD in dance from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. Deborah J. Broom-Cooley, EdD, is a proud graduate of Southern University, New Orleans, Louisiana. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish education. She later earned a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction, and a master's plus thirty hours in educational leadership at the University of New Orleans, Louisiana. At Argosy University (University of Sarasota), in Sarasota, Florida, she earned an educational specialist and a doctorate in educational leadership. She currently holds teaching and leadership certificates in Louisiana and Georgia, and her motto is: "Literacy is everyone's business, not just the children's!" Jennifer Malone, EdD, received her Bachelor of Science degree in special education from Truman State University in 1985. In 1992 she earned an MA in special education and in 1996 an EdS in educational administration both from the University of Missouri. She earned her EdD in 1999 from Saint Louis University in Educational Leadership. Sallie B. Middlebrook, PhD, is a writer, editor, and writing coach. A graduate of traditional and non-traditional institutions, Dr. Middlebrook holds a BS degree in Mass Communications/Journalism from Jackson State University, Mississippi; an MS in Advertising from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and a PhD in Business Administration and Management (with a specialization in Marketing), from Walden University, Minnesota.
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, Ph.D, associate professor/coordinator of Doctoral Student Development, Jackson State University Executive Ph.D. Program (EPhD) in Urban Higher Education 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, PhD, 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, PhD, founder and CEO of Teachers Like Me 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, Ph.D, dean and professor of English, College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development, University of New Orleans and Nancy Biggio, Ph.D., associate vice president, Graduate School, University of New Orleans 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, EdD, faculty emeritus and director of the Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership (C-REAL) 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, PhD, Wade-Hampton Counseling & Consulting, LLC, 2019 NBCC Doctoral Fellow 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, U. S. 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 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 These inspirational stories give readers true information on pursing higher education to become effective leaders in their chosen fields. --Laura Kamenitsa, Ed.S., M.A., B.A. retired educator, media specialist/teacher librarian 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.); Georgia P.O.S.T. certified master instructor; lieutenant commander of Internal Affairs, Carver College Police Department, Atl 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)
