Inspired to Climb Higher

Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdD, is a senior business & computer science teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a mentor and coach to new teachers. Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas 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 has an EdD in leadership with a health and wellness focus of study from American College of Education, Indiana.Noha Abdou, EdD, is the director of institutional research in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning at California State University. She earned her EdD in educational leadership from the California State University, Fullerton.Helga M. McCullough, EdD, is a first-generation college student. She earned her EdD with a concentration in speech-language pathology from Nova Southeastern University.Wanda K. W. Ebright, PhD, is a tenured professor of dance, serving in her second year as dean of the College of the Arts at Columbus State University in Georgia. She earned her PhD in dance from Texas Woman’s University.Deborah J. Broom-Cooley, EdD, is a retired educator with 43 years of service in teaching and leadership. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership at Argosy University (University of Sarasota).Jennifer Malone, EdD,is an assistant professor of education at Missouri Western State University. She earned her EdD from Saint Louis University in educational leadership.Sallie B. Middlebrook, PhD, is a writer, editor, and writing coach. She earned a PhD in business administration and management (with a specialization in marketing) from Walden University, Minnesota.

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.

• IntroductionChapter 1: My Uncharted Journey by Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdDChapter 2: Finding Myself in the Last Place I Thought to Look by Jyenny Babcock, EdDChapter 3: A Journey of a Mother’s Love, by Noha Abdou, EdDChapter 4: Untitled Story by Helga M. McCullough, EdDChapter 5: My Doctoral Journey by Wanda K. W. Ebright, PhDChapter 6: Life Before the Dissertation Journey by Deborah J. Broom-Cooley, EdDChapter 7: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Dismantled by Jennifer Malone, EdDChapter 8: A Novel Way to Be Heard, to Earn Praise by Sallie B. Middlebrook, PhDChapter 9: The Big Questions, AnsweredChapter 10: Seek Support (When You Need It) For Your Doctoral JourneyChapter 11: General Advice (and Help) for Writing the DissertationAbout the Authors References