Hope Oliver reflects on how Rockhurst University’s Online Ed.D. program offered the flexibility, structure, and support she needed to complete her doctorate while managing family and work responsibilities. She notes the clear faculty expectations and the benefit of having the full semester schedule upfront allowed her to keep up with the rigor of the program. Additionally, the cohort model and close faculty connections further contributed to her growth as an educator and leader.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

I am Hope Oliver, and I am in the online doctorate program in educational leadership here at Rockhurst University.

As a black woman in America, courage is one of those things that you just kind of have to have. And then you need to be on point with what your purpose is and how you're to use that courage when you're navigating life. Whether you're obtaining a degree or not, we should always constantly be learning and not be stagnant.

One thing that attracted me about Rockhurst is that impetus there to be a lifelong learner. It's absolutely prepared me just because of the rigor of the coursework, it's pretty fast paced. I mean, you're talking taking four classes a semester. You know what I mean? So, you're doing three years worth of work inside of two years.

One thing that made it easier is the professors would put the whole semester of work up at the beginning of the semester. So, you could kind of work ahead or pace yourself or you knew what was coming down the line. You could plan life around classes.

When you're working along with the group, it makes you feel more supportive as opposed to being in it by yourself. Being able to glean from the expertise of the different professors and for them to actually say, "Hey, if you need anything after you leave here, here's my number." To be able to have that relationship and that resource will be very beneficial for me. I already have people reaching out to me because they know I'm completing this degree.

It was tough, but it was a good tough and it's worth it. It is absolutely worth it and I'm glad I chose Rockhurst.