Bowie State University News May 16, 2019 Bowie State Doctoral Candidate Exceeds Educational Goals Reneé Garraway always wanted to attend a Historically Black College or University. After receiving a bachelor's and two master's degrees from other institutions, she is happy she chose to pursue a doctorate at Bowie State University. She credits BSU's faculty with supporting her as she exceeded her educational goals. Now, she is preparing to graduate from Bowie State Friday<https://bowiestate.edu/commencement> with an Ed.D. in educational leadership and pay it forward to provide a quality education for other minorities and those with special needs. Garraway has experienced more mentorship and thoughtful guidance at Bowie State than she ever could have imagined. "I've never had college professors who really took the time to listen to me and who were always so available to me. I've never had those types of relationship. I feel like I've gained another family." It was those mentors, she said, who saw something in her that she didn't see in herself. Professors like Drs. Julius Davis and Janeula M. Burt have provided several opportunities for Garraway to maximize her research in educational leadership, special education and cultural responsiveness teaching practices. To date, she has published five journal articles and two book chapters, including an article in renowned peer-reviewed journal Teachers College Record. She has also presented two papers at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting<https://www.bowiestate.edu/about/news/details/bsu-education-faculty-doctoral-student-showcase-innovation-in-teaching/>, a gathering of respected education researchers from around the world. To prepare for a future teaching career in higher education, she gained experience by co-teaching an Interdisciplinary Studies course with Dr. Davis. "I'm excited to share with other students in their journey to becoming excellent educators," she said. Outside of the classroom, Garraway has meticulously managed her personal, professional and educational commitments. With two small children at home and a full-time job with the Montgomery County Public School District, she appreciates the support of her husband and BSU classmates. Through it all, her passion for special education provided the fuel she needed during the late night and early morning study sessions. "She has exceeded most of the expectations of a doctoral student...she's already started to develop her own research agenda. She has really set herself up to write her own ticket," Dr. Davis said. Though Garraway will receive her doctorate degree this week, she says the real work begins after she walks across the stage. "It is my purpose to continue working with parents of children with disabilities, Black and Hispanic parents and their children - to learn about what others can do to better serve them. I'm not finished. This is just the beginning." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, the children, and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/