Why Spalding University?

When I selected Spalding, I had a feeling that it would be a great experience, but I had no idea it would be this good and this transformational.

When I was looking for a doctoral program, having a program that was offered online was a major point for me, as well as having a program that offered relevant coursework. I wanted to be able to take what I was learning in my courses and utilize that on my own campus in the work that I was doing with my students, faculty, and staff.

I also wanted a guiding experience through the [Capstone] writing process. I didn't want to make it through my coursework and be left on my own to write.

I wanted to make sure that I had good connections and good contact with my professors and the individuals who were helping me get to the end so that I could successfully complete my degree on time.

When I took all those characteristics, Spalding University was at the top of the list.

What was your experience completing the Capstone Project?

The coursework that they provided was relevant, useful and impactful, and they also offered a guided experience of writing the capstone every step of the way.

I had contact and communication with my professors. I got quick and quality feedback, so that I was able to produce the best Capstone Project that I possibly could. I'm grateful for the opportunity to successfully complete the capstone and be able to call myself Doctor Jocelyn Wright.

Tell us more about your Capstone topic.

Because of the wonderful professors and my incredible cohort, I was able to produce a Capstone on racial minority student perspectives on higher education leadership. This is directly related to the work that I do every single day on my campus and the students that I work with.

Being able to understand what leadership qualities they find value in, and how they interact with leadership and what they're looking for to ensure that they have a sense of belonging and a connection to the institutions that they are at.

It was so encouraging to be able to produce work that I never thought I could. Because of the wonderful professors and my incredible cohort, I was able to produce a very thoughtful and impactful piece of work that I can utilize in my day-to-day, but that so many others who are working with Gen. Z students on higher education campuses are able to utilize them as well.

Was the coursework relevant to your work?

Everything that I gained from Spalding University, I was able to immediately implement into the work that I was doing on my own campus. Having this online platform allowed me to have the flexibility to do the things that I needed to do at home and on my home campus, and be able to complete this degree.

How did you connect with students and professors?

I made strong connections with my cohort. We had a GroupMe [chat] where we supported one another and communicated with one another to make sure that none of us got left behind.

The professors in this program are so caring and thoughtful and make an effort to get to know each student individually.

What kind of support did you receive?

I gave birth to my first child in the midst of finishing my capstone at the end of the second class, right before I began my last class in the program to finish my capstone. I gave birth to my son, and my cohort and professors were so intentional about giving me the things that I needed, giving me the time and guidance I needed to ensure that I was able to successfully defend and complete this degree on time.

What impact has the program had on you personally and professionally?

The person that I was coming into this program is not the person that I am today. The things that they taught me and the way that they encouraged me made me a better worker, better researcher, better friend, and better in every professional aspect of my life.

It's because of the things that I've learned that have made me a stronger leader who understands how to lead and why I lead the way that I do. To get all of that from an online program is so incredible and wonderful.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I'm so grateful to Spalding University for all that they do and all that they offer. This program is absolutely sensational. Thank you to everyone who is involved in this program and to my cohort for being so encouraging.