Our program students come with a rich mix of academic, professional, and life experiences from various sectors of education, business, government, social services, and other professional domains. Check out their stories down below.
Community College Leadership
Camisha Parker, Community College Leadership
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Felecia Commodore
F3 Research Project - Equity-mindedness emphasizes institutional responsibility to create equity and directs practitioners to focus on what they can do to close equity gaps. Rather than attribute inequities in outcomes to student deficits, being equity-minded involves interpreting inequitable outcomes as a signal that practices are not working as intended. This research project will focus on the intersectionality of equity-mindedness and leadership.
GEROME BELL
Assistant Professor of Counseling | Suffolk County Community College, New York
Share an experience about the Summer Institute
As someone who has never lived on campus, I was less than excited about living on campus as an adult learner. That quickly changed on move-in day. I began to meet faculty, staff, and fellow classmates who had been instrumental in my success in the program the academic year prior.
In addition to the class meetings, our professional development workshops with community college presidents, government officials, and Ph.D. students further along in their program were an invaluable part of Summer Institute.
Share an experience about your cohort.
Even before meeting in person, my cohort has been one of my greatest resources. As a first-generation student, many of my close friends and family do not understand the juggling act of being a working Ph.D. The shared experience among my cohort of managing various responsibilities has been key to my success in the program.
My favorite experience with my cohort was the gathering off campus during Summer Institute. It gave us an opportunity to get to know each other outside of our research interests and identities as a student.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
As an out-of-state student from Long Island, NY, I was attracted to the design for working professionals, the program includes scaffolding for your dissertation alongside your coursework. The classes meet synchronously and ODU is a reputable institution. The cohort model became the best thing that I never knew I needed.
KAITLYN CURRY
Associate Professor of Mathematics | SUNY-Orange, New York
Share an experience about Summer Institute
Since the rest of the courses are offered virtually, Summer Institute is a critical part of the doctoral program. I gained so much knowledge during my time on campus, well beyond what was learned in the classroom. The relationships that are built, conversations that take place, and networking that occurs at Summer Institute cannot be replicated in the virtual world.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
I am enthusiastic about the community college mission. We make a difference in the lives of our students. The Ph.D. in Community College Leadership will not only prepare me for the next step in my career, but it will also help me be a better community college professor.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
The program at ODU was highly recommended by colleagues who graduated from the program. After looking into ODU myself, I was confident that the high-quality online program and affordable cost was unmatched at other institutions.
The program faculty are extremely supportive and genuinely want students to succeed. I have felt very welcome in the ODU community by all of the faculty and staff.
GERARD D'ENTREMONT
Community Innovation Lead | Nova Scotia Community College, Canada
Share an experience about Summer Institute.
The Summer Institute allows students to engage in critical thought through pertinent programs and to understand and practice research methodologies that can be focused and tailored to your research topic and used as part of your dissertation. The formal learning should not overshadow the informal interaction with your cohort, guest speakers, and other colleagues over the two weeks during the summer institute who share a wealth of experience in leadership that you can apply in your line of work. My classmates will become life-long friends.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
Developing a critical understanding of leadership concepts and the issues that affect the advancement of community colleges was something I was deeply interested in learning. My career aspirations in a leadership position at a community college drew me to this program as it had all the essential elements to provide me with the knowledge and skills to advance my leadership role.
What are your experiences with program faculty?
The CCL program faculty mentor, lead and engage students in real-world experiences related to topics affecting community colleges. They are keenly aware of the work/life balance of the course workload and provide assignments and feedback that you can reflect on throughout your program.
GWEN HOUSTON (VA)
Student Resources & Career Services Advisor | New River Community College, Virginia
Share an experience about your cohort
As impostor syndrome tried to highjack my experience, my cohort members instantly reassured, supported, and helped me get back on track. The relationship-building and team bonding the cohort model offers are desirable aspects of ODU's CCL program.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
As an aspiring community college leader, I seek a Ph.D. to help grow my administrative skills, enhance my community college leadership knowledge base, and conduct invaluable research on relevant issues that inform the development of future educational leaders.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
As a product of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), I am personally invested and wholeheartedly committed to the community college mission and philosophy of equity, open access, community outreach, and education and/or training options for all. Similarly, ODU's CCL Doctoral Program was attractive to me because of the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, accessibility through synchronous virtual classes, cohort model, outstanding reputation, and the community college focus.
My experiences with the CCL faculty have been extraordinarily pleasing. I have felt incredibly encouraged and supported since day one. I received first-rate guidance and assistance even before becoming an official CCL student. The program faculty genuinely cares about its students' success and the CCL program's reputation.
ERIN SHERMAN (TX)
Vice President for College Services | Northwest Vista College, Texas
Share an experience about Summer Institute.
The Summer Institute provided an environment for focused scholarship and fellowship. The coursework and activities encouraged inquiry, built upon prior knowledge and experience, and further developed shared communities of support. The relationships developed throughout the Summer Institute are central components of foundational programmatic and professional support.
Share an experience about your cohort.
I am blessed to share this adventure with Community College Leadership cohort 20! Throughout the Summer Institute, a diverse group of individuals came together to build structures of support and encouragement. Each member of the cohort is juggling multiple complex responsibilities, and the relationships we formed solidified that we are in this TOGETHER.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
I selected the Ph.D. CCL based on program reputation and academic rigor integrated with support structures. The program is designed to support practitioners engaged in personal and professional growth to tackle the complex challenges facing community colleges. The curriculum is engaging and challenges traditional concepts, thinking, and being.
What are your experiences with program faculty?
The faculty are passionate about the mission of the community college and tackling the wide array of complexities facing institutions. The faculty are encouraging and willing to challenge and support you to be better and do better. The comprehensive support of the faculty provides a foundation for challenging previous assumptions and growing personally and professionally to advocate for our communities.
BRENT VIA (VA)
Associate Director of Career Services | Northern Virginia Community College, Virginia
Share an experience about Summer Institute.
Connecting with classmates outside of formal classroom instruction was undoubtedly one of my personal highlights during Summer Institute! Learning about their institutions, the challenging work they take on daily, and their viewpoints about the current state of community colleges is something that I found extremely valuable and thought-provoking. I will keep what I heard and learned with me as I progress in my career.
Share an experience about your cohort.
I am in continuous awe of my cohort's dedication to improving the institutions at which they work, and the students with whom they have dedicated their careers to helping. I learn something new each time I have a discussion with a fellow cohort member and find myself constantly writing down ideas that I can implement. Moreover, they are all down to earth, fun people, who I will consider friends for life as we continue to engage in this important work.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
I am seeking a Ph.D. to play a larger role in improving America's community colleges. Although these institutions play a vital role in the communities we serve, there improvement is needed. I want to use what I learn throughout this program to improve policies and assist in the ability for community colleges to maximize and further spread the impact of the important work being done on campuses.
What are your experiences with program faculty?
I was originally concerned that it would be difficult to form meaningful relationships with faculty due to the primarily online modality of the program. However, I have found the complete opposite to be true. The faculty are dedicated to ensuring each student is successful in the program and willing to support students at every step of the doctoral student journey.
Camisha Parker, Community College Leadership
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Felecia Commodore
F3 Research Project - Equity-mindedness emphasizes institutional responsibility to create equity and directs practitioners to focus on what they can do to close equity gaps. Rather than attribute inequities in outcomes to student deficits, being equity-minded involves interpreting inequitable outcomes as a signal that practices are not working as intended. This research project will focus on the intersectionality of equity-mindedness and leadership.
GEROME BELL
Assistant Professor of Counseling | Suffolk County Community College, New York
Share an experience about the Summer Institute
As someone who has never lived on campus, I was less than excited about living on campus as an adult learner. That quickly changed on move-in day. I began to meet faculty, staff, and fellow classmates who had been instrumental in my success in the program the academic year prior.
In addition to the class meetings, our professional development workshops with community college presidents, government officials, and Ph.D. students further along in their program were an invaluable part of Summer Institute.
Share an experience about your cohort.
Even before meeting in person, my cohort has been one of my greatest resources. As a first-generation student, many of my close friends and family do not understand the juggling act of being a working Ph.D. The shared experience among my cohort of managing various responsibilities has been key to my success in the program.
My favorite experience with my cohort was the gathering off campus during Summer Institute. It gave us an opportunity to get to know each other outside of our research interests and identities as a student.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
As an out-of-state student from Long Island, NY, I was attracted to the design for working professionals, the program includes scaffolding for your dissertation alongside your coursework. The classes meet synchronously and ODU is a reputable institution. The cohort model became the best thing that I never knew I needed.
KAITLYN CURRY
Associate Professor of Mathematics | SUNY-Orange, New York
Share an experience about Summer Institute
Since the rest of the courses are offered virtually, Summer Institute is a critical part of the doctoral program. I gained so much knowledge during my time on campus, well beyond what was learned in the classroom. The relationships that are built, conversations that take place, and networking that occurs at Summer Institute cannot be replicated in the virtual world.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
I am enthusiastic about the community college mission. We make a difference in the lives of our students. The Ph.D. in Community College Leadership will not only prepare me for the next step in my career, but it will also help me be a better community college professor.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
The program at ODU was highly recommended by colleagues who graduated from the program. After looking into ODU myself, I was confident that the high-quality online program and affordable cost was unmatched at other institutions.
The program faculty are extremely supportive and genuinely want students to succeed. I have felt very welcome in the ODU community by all of the faculty and staff.
GERARD D'ENTREMONT
Community Innovation Lead | Nova Scotia Community College, Canada
Share an experience about Summer Institute.
The Summer Institute allows students to engage in critical thought through pertinent programs and to understand and practice research methodologies that can be focused and tailored to your research topic and used as part of your dissertation. The formal learning should not overshadow the informal interaction with your cohort, guest speakers, and other colleagues over the two weeks during the summer institute who share a wealth of experience in leadership that you can apply in your line of work. My classmates will become life-long friends.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
Developing a critical understanding of leadership concepts and the issues that affect the advancement of community colleges was something I was deeply interested in learning. My career aspirations in a leadership position at a community college drew me to this program as it had all the essential elements to provide me with the knowledge and skills to advance my leadership role.
What are your experiences with program faculty?
The CCL program faculty mentor, lead and engage students in real-world experiences related to topics affecting community colleges. They are keenly aware of the work/life balance of the course workload and provide assignments and feedback that you can reflect on throughout your program.
GWEN HOUSTON (VA)
Student Resources & Career Services Advisor | New River Community College, Virginia
Share an experience about your cohort
As impostor syndrome tried to highjack my experience, my cohort members instantly reassured, supported, and helped me get back on track. The relationship-building and team bonding the cohort model offers are desirable aspects of ODU's CCL program.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
As an aspiring community college leader, I seek a Ph.D. to help grow my administrative skills, enhance my community college leadership knowledge base, and conduct invaluable research on relevant issues that inform the development of future educational leaders.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
As a product of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), I am personally invested and wholeheartedly committed to the community college mission and philosophy of equity, open access, community outreach, and education and/or training options for all. Similarly, ODU's CCL Doctoral Program was attractive to me because of the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, accessibility through synchronous virtual classes, cohort model, outstanding reputation, and the community college focus.
My experiences with the CCL faculty have been extraordinarily pleasing. I have felt incredibly encouraged and supported since day one. I received first-rate guidance and assistance even before becoming an official CCL student. The program faculty genuinely cares about its students' success and the CCL program's reputation.
ERIN SHERMAN (TX)
Vice President for College Services | Northwest Vista College, Texas
Share an experience about Summer Institute.
The Summer Institute provided an environment for focused scholarship and fellowship. The coursework and activities encouraged inquiry, built upon prior knowledge and experience, and further developed shared communities of support. The relationships developed throughout the Summer Institute are central components of foundational programmatic and professional support.
Share an experience about your cohort.
I am blessed to share this adventure with Community College Leadership cohort 20! Throughout the Summer Institute, a diverse group of individuals came together to build structures of support and encouragement. Each member of the cohort is juggling multiple complex responsibilities, and the relationships we formed solidified that we are in this TOGETHER.
What attracted you to Old Dominion 91短视频?
I selected the Ph.D. CCL based on program reputation and academic rigor integrated with support structures. The program is designed to support practitioners engaged in personal and professional growth to tackle the complex challenges facing community colleges. The curriculum is engaging and challenges traditional concepts, thinking, and being.
What are your experiences with program faculty?
The faculty are passionate about the mission of the community college and tackling the wide array of complexities facing institutions. The faculty are encouraging and willing to challenge and support you to be better and do better. The comprehensive support of the faculty provides a foundation for challenging previous assumptions and growing personally and professionally to advocate for our communities.
BRENT VIA (VA)
Associate Director of Career Services | Northern Virginia Community College, Virginia
Share an experience about Summer Institute.
Connecting with classmates outside of formal classroom instruction was undoubtedly one of my personal highlights during Summer Institute! Learning about their institutions, the challenging work they take on daily, and their viewpoints about the current state of community colleges is something that I found extremely valuable and thought-provoking. I will keep what I heard and learned with me as I progress in my career.
Share an experience about your cohort.
I am in continuous awe of my cohort's dedication to improving the institutions at which they work, and the students with whom they have dedicated their careers to helping. I learn something new each time I have a discussion with a fellow cohort member and find myself constantly writing down ideas that I can implement. Moreover, they are all down to earth, fun people, who I will consider friends for life as we continue to engage in this important work.
Why are you seeking a Ph.D.?
I am seeking a Ph.D. to play a larger role in improving America's community colleges. Although these institutions play a vital role in the communities we serve, there improvement is needed. I want to use what I learn throughout this program to improve policies and assist in the ability for community colleges to maximize and further spread the impact of the important work being done on campuses.
What are your experiences with program faculty?
I was originally concerned that it would be difficult to form meaningful relationships with faculty due to the primarily online modality of the program. However, I have found the complete opposite to be true. The faculty are dedicated to ensuring each student is successful in the program and willing to support students at every step of the doctoral student journey.
Higher Education
CARLIN CONAWAY
Ph.D. Program
M.S.Ed. Old Dominion 91短视频 - Secondary Education | B.A. Virginia Tech - Communication
"Coming from a background in secondary education, I pursued my Ph.D. in Higher Education at ODU to deepen my understanding and experience at the collegiate level, preparing me for a career in student affairs. Through my time at ODU, I am continually gaining the knowledge and skills needed for success, while being supported by dedicated faculty and an engaging community that is invested in my growth."
Carlin serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership and the Office of Intercultural Relations.聽
Carlin's research interests include sense of belonging in higher education, particularly for marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ community. She is passionate about exploring how institutional structures, policies, and campus climates impact the experiences of these students and how we can create more inclusive and affirming environments.聽
DEION DEAN
Ph.D. Program
M.S. Old Dominion 91短视频 - Sport Management | B.S. George Mason 91短视频 - Business Management
"I chose to return to ODU for my Ph.D. in Higher Education in pursuit of becoming a university faculty member. Having previously earned my master鈥檚 degree from ODU, I knew the program would provide the academic rigor, faculty support, and research opportunities to advance my career in higher education. ODU鈥檚 strong community and commitment to student success made it the ideal place to continue my studies."
Deion currently works as a graduate assistant at ODU in the Higher Education department and teaches at Norfolk 91短视频 91短视频. As a former collegiate swimmer and dedicated beach lifeguard, his work has centered on increasing aquatic participation and reducing drowning disparities, particularly in the African-American community and at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Deion's research interests include: Higher education policy, athletics governance, institutional support for underrepresented populations and aquatics at HBCUs'.
MALLORY FIELDS
M.S.Ed. Program
B.S. Virginia Tech - Human Development
"I chose ODU's Higher Education program to pursue a career in student affairs and university leadership. I was attracted to this program specifically because of the variety of interesting and relevant class offerings, the incredible faculty, and the rich culture of聽 student support. My experience has nothing but exceeded my expectations, and I am excited to soon enter the field of higher education with the knowledge and confidence that this program has given me."
Mallory serves as the Graduate Assistant for LGBTQIA+ Initiatives at ODU's Women's and Gender Equity Center and is currently pursuing jobs in the Research Triangle, NC area. Her passions lie in ensuring that all students receive an equitable college experience that supports their holistic wellness by continuously considering intersectionality and uplifting the voices of those who hold underrepresented and historically marginalized identities.聽
DEONDRE JOHNSON
Ph.D. Program
MPH Old Dominion 91短视频 - Public Health | B.S. Mercer 91短视频 - Public Health
鈥淚 chose to return to ODU for my Ph.D. in Higher Education to pursue a career in college athletics and to have the ability to become a university faculty member. I previously earned my master鈥檚 degree from ODU. From this experience, I knew there were a lot of opportunities still available for me if I decided to return to ODU, and I felt like there was still more for me to grow from. I knew the program would challenge me and allow me to fully submerge myself in the experience with supportive faculty and ample opportunity to prepare myself for a career in higher education. ODU and the surrounding community are focused on creating an environment designed for students to succeed, making this the right fit for me.鈥
Deondre is a graduate assistant at ODU in the Athletic Department with Student-Athlete Academic Services. As a former collegiate athlete, he is passionate about working with student-athletes and helping create a better educational experience for this population while also being able to serve as a mentor to inspire athletes to prepare for their life after sport.
Deondre's research interests include: Student-Athlete Development, Athletics Governance, Holistic Student Development.
THOMAS WILKINSON
M.S.Ed. Program
B.A. Regent 91短视频 - Communication
"ODU has shown me the value of having university faculty and staff who are passionate about students and actively seek ways to help them thrive. As a result, I am pursuing my M.S.Ed. in Higher Education to progress in my career in student life, and I knew that I wanted to study at ODU because of its inspiring, supportive, and innovative campus culture. The staff care about my personal and professional development, and I hope to do the same for others."
Thomas is currently the Office Services Assistant for ODU's Recreation & Wellness department, helping fulfill their mission of creating an inclusive, uplifting environment centered around well-being.
CARLIN CONAWAY
Ph.D. Program
M.S.Ed. Old Dominion 91短视频 - Secondary Education | B.A. Virginia Tech - Communication
"Coming from a background in secondary education, I pursued my Ph.D. in Higher Education at ODU to deepen my understanding and experience at the collegiate level, preparing me for a career in student affairs. Through my time at ODU, I am continually gaining the knowledge and skills needed for success, while being supported by dedicated faculty and an engaging community that is invested in my growth."
Carlin serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership and the Office of Intercultural Relations.聽
Carlin's research interests include sense of belonging in higher education, particularly for marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ community. She is passionate about exploring how institutional structures, policies, and campus climates impact the experiences of these students and how we can create more inclusive and affirming environments.聽
DEION DEAN
Ph.D. Program
M.S. Old Dominion 91短视频 - Sport Management | B.S. George Mason 91短视频 - Business Management
"I chose to return to ODU for my Ph.D. in Higher Education in pursuit of becoming a university faculty member. Having previously earned my master鈥檚 degree from ODU, I knew the program would provide the academic rigor, faculty support, and research opportunities to advance my career in higher education. ODU鈥檚 strong community and commitment to student success made it the ideal place to continue my studies."
Deion currently works as a graduate assistant at ODU in the Higher Education department and teaches at Norfolk 91短视频 91短视频. As a former collegiate swimmer and dedicated beach lifeguard, his work has centered on increasing aquatic participation and reducing drowning disparities, particularly in the African-American community and at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Deion's research interests include: Higher education policy, athletics governance, institutional support for underrepresented populations and aquatics at HBCUs'.
MALLORY FIELDS
M.S.Ed. Program
B.S. Virginia Tech - Human Development
"I chose ODU's Higher Education program to pursue a career in student affairs and university leadership. I was attracted to this program specifically because of the variety of interesting and relevant class offerings, the incredible faculty, and the rich culture of聽 student support. My experience has nothing but exceeded my expectations, and I am excited to soon enter the field of higher education with the knowledge and confidence that this program has given me."
Mallory serves as the Graduate Assistant for LGBTQIA+ Initiatives at ODU's Women's and Gender Equity Center and is currently pursuing jobs in the Research Triangle, NC area. Her passions lie in ensuring that all students receive an equitable college experience that supports their holistic wellness by continuously considering intersectionality and uplifting the voices of those who hold underrepresented and historically marginalized identities.聽
DEONDRE JOHNSON
Ph.D. Program
MPH Old Dominion 91短视频 - Public Health | B.S. Mercer 91短视频 - Public Health
鈥淚 chose to return to ODU for my Ph.D. in Higher Education to pursue a career in college athletics and to have the ability to become a university faculty member. I previously earned my master鈥檚 degree from ODU. From this experience, I knew there were a lot of opportunities still available for me if I decided to return to ODU, and I felt like there was still more for me to grow from. I knew the program would challenge me and allow me to fully submerge myself in the experience with supportive faculty and ample opportunity to prepare myself for a career in higher education. ODU and the surrounding community are focused on creating an environment designed for students to succeed, making this the right fit for me.鈥
Deondre is a graduate assistant at ODU in the Athletic Department with Student-Athlete Academic Services. As a former collegiate athlete, he is passionate about working with student-athletes and helping create a better educational experience for this population while also being able to serve as a mentor to inspire athletes to prepare for their life after sport.
Deondre's research interests include: Student-Athlete Development, Athletics Governance, Holistic Student Development.
THOMAS WILKINSON
M.S.Ed. Program
B.A. Regent 91短视频 - Communication
"ODU has shown me the value of having university faculty and staff who are passionate about students and actively seek ways to help them thrive. As a result, I am pursuing my M.S.Ed. in Higher Education to progress in my career in student life, and I knew that I wanted to study at ODU because of its inspiring, supportive, and innovative campus culture. The staff care about my personal and professional development, and I hope to do the same for others."
Thomas is currently the Office Services Assistant for ODU's Recreation & Wellness department, helping fulfill their mission of creating an inclusive, uplifting environment centered around well-being.