text: Inspired to Climb Higher: The Challenges, Questions, Struggles, and Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree invites readers to experience the personal stories of eight women with unique doctoral journeys who, while facing or overcoming the sometimes-mountainous challenges of everyday life, accepted the call to seek the highest level of academic achievement. Inspired to Climb Higher is a "know before you go" guide written to help prepare anyone thinking of obtaining a doctorate for the challenges their journey might present. It provides answers to questions students might have about pursuing a doctorate. The book contains chapters devoted to questions, answers, and advice for anyone considering earning a doctoral degree, as well as a chapter meant to help prepare future candidates for the rigors and requirements of writing a doctoral dissertation.
  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.
  Chapter 1: My Uncharted Journey by Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdD
  Chapter 2: Finding Myself in the Last Place I Thought to Look by Jyenny Babcock, EdD
  Chapter 3: A Journey of a Mother’s Love, by Noha Abdou, EdD
  Chapter 4: Untitled Story by Helga M. McCullough, EdD
  Chapter 5: My Doctoral Journey by Wanda K. W. Ebright, PhD
  Chapter 6: Life Before the Dissertation Journey by Deborah J. Broom-Cooley, EdD
  Chapter 7: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Dismantled by Jennifer Malone, EdD
  Chapter 8: A Novel Way to Be Heard, to Earn Praise by Sallie B. Middlebrook, PhD
  Chapter 9: The Big Questions, Answered
  Chapter 10: Seek Support (When You Need It) For Your Doctoral Journey
  Chapter 11: General Advice (and Help) for Writing the Dissertation
  About the Authors
  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.
  As a higher education professor who teaches doctoral students, I can attest to the heightened sensitivity they undergo at this level. Surely, Inspired to Climb Higher will enhance their understanding and comfort level!
  Inspired to Climb Higher provides wonderfully honest and accessible stories of victory, advice, and insight into the doctoral program experience and the dissertation process. Read expecting to learn lessons for reaching your goal of becoming a PhD/EdD regardless of what life sends your way. The book speaks to resilience and power in self-knowledge and allowing others to walk this journey with you.
  For anyone who is weighing whether to pursue a doctoral degree, Inspired to Climb Higher provides an honest look into eight doctoral journeys full of helpful reflections and practical insights. This book is a must read!
  I am excited to endorse the book Inspired to Climb Higher as a guide for those embarking on the challenging journey towards earning their doctoral degree. Authored with insight and thoughtfulness, this book serves as a beacon of inspiration and practical wisdom for doctoral candidates navigating the sometimes-complex path of academia
  Inspired to Climb Higher speaks to the joys of being a lifelong learner and the challenges that doing so presents in conjunction with the various phases of life.
  Intriguing and relatable insight to the good, bad, and ugly of maneuvering higher education while juggling life. Remarkable must read for everyone aspiring to greatness.
  These inspirational stories give readers true information on pursing higher education to become effective leaders in their chosen fields.
  Inspired to Climb Higher describes the process of completing a doctoral degree through the experiences of eight women, each of whom shares a unique perspective about her motivation for pursuing the degree, the challenges she faced, the ways she overcame obstacles, and the rewards of her pursuit. For students coming from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, the personal anecdotes and practical, hands-on advice in Inspired to Climb Higher will encourage them to consider, pursue, or complete doctoral degrees.
  Fall issue, Education Matters: The co-authors are interviewed for this feature about the book.