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“I’m proud to complete this achievement as I know what it means to my own family,” expressed Dr. Jamaal Jackson, who will graduate from Morehead State University with his doctorate in May.

Jackson is one of many employees across the institution enrolled in the Morehead State University Doctor of Education program. Kentucky State assists employees with tuition toward earning advanced degrees.

Jackson successfully defended his capstone project, “Strategies for Increasing the Retention, Persistence, and Graduation Rates of Black male student-athletes at Kentucky State University,” and has worked at Kentucky State since 2004. 

“This achievement is significant because African Americans make up only seven percent of doctorates earned. If just one young man or woman says, {If he can do it, I can do it,} that’s a big deal to me.”

Jackson graduated from Kentucky State in 2004 and earned an MPA degree in 2022. He hopes his capstone can have a positive impact at his alma mater.

Dr. Christina Caul, director of academic support at Kentucky State University, also recently completed the Doctor of Education requirements at Morehead State University. She will graduate on May 13 with an emphasis in adult and higher education leadership.

“As a TRIO graduate, this degree represents a long-standing commitment to education and a fight for educational access and equity,” Caul shared.

Caul earned her Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Berea College in 2004 and a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Kentucky University in 2007. Her capstone project focused on the executive leadership experiences of Black women employed at southern HBCUs.

Kentucky State University employees who want to pursue an advanced degree should contact the Title III Office for more information.