College of Doctoral Studies

The hooding of the College of Doctoral Studies graduates Thursday afternoon included five GCU faculty members — Dr. Emily Pottinger, Dr. Stacy Vaught, Dr. Alicia Kozimor and Dr. Tracy Vasquez from the College of Education and Dr. Ben VanDerLinden from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. CDS Dean Dr. Michael Berger couldn’t recall that many faculty in one Commencement. “It’s great to educate our own community and watch them be successful at the hardest thing you can do in academia,” he said.

Every college at GCU has Lopes Live Labs. The final expanded excerpt from the cover story in the August issue of GCU Magazine features the new GCU Recording Lab (College of Theology) as well as labs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Doctoral Studies and Honors College.

Foster care, homelessness, dyslexia — you name it and Dr. Danisha Keating lived it. After constantly being told that she was a statistic who wouldn’t amount to anything past high school, Keating successfully proved her naysayers wrong by not only earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees but also a doctorate. “If it wasn’t for GCU’s doctoral program and the way that it’s structured, I would not have been able to know where to start,” she said. “I don’t think I would have been successful anywhere else.”

Dr. Shakta Man Ghale literally climbed mountains to finally get his Doctor of Business Administration degree. During his doctoral journey, the Nepal native had to overcome internet and electricity issues, an earthquake, days of travel up and down steep mountains by foot and even encounters with Nepali leeches. But this summer, Ghale’s years of persistence finally paid off with the signing of his dissertation. “I definitely feel proud,” he said. “I really appreciate the GCU team and the opportunity that GCU has given me.”

The bond between a doctoral learner and their dissertation chair is one like no other. This was especially true for Dr. Laurica Yancey, who recently completed her doctoral program. Throughout her program, Yancey had to take on caretaking responsibilities for both of her parent, all while working full-time and going to school. When things got challenging and she was on the verge of calling it quits, her dissertation chair Dr. Theodus Luckett helped motivate and support her through out the remainder of the program. “I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for Dr. Luckett,” Yancey said. “He was an example in terms of I’m paying it forward to other people because of what he’s done for me.”

It’s not every day that a 10-year-old’s artwork is showcased in a published book. But College of Doctoral Studies chair Dr. Wanda Fernandopulle wanted to set up her daughter, Angelica Gary, for future success in the art world. Thus, the book “Exploring Angelica’s Art” was born. “When I’m not looking at dissertations, doing dissertation defenses and helping all my doctoral Learners out at Grand Canyon, this is my other life in terms of her academics and also honing in on her gift,” Fernandopulle said.

Dr. Ana York’s life has been anything but easy. From getting married when she was 14 and having her first child at 15 to having to work long hours while also going to school, York has faced a number of obstacles that could have kept her from obtaining her doctorate. But in the end, her drive and love of education persevered. “I’m very grateful because throughout the process and all of those highs and lows and frustrations, I always saw the hand of God,” she said.

Erick Hester’s time at GCU has turned his dreams into reality. After graduating with his master’s from GCU in 2018, it wasn’t long before the urge to challenge himself further brought him back to pursue his Ph.D. in Psychology. “Dating back to my master’s, I couldn’t ask for a better university,” he said. “It’s literally changed my life.” Last in a series highlighting learners in the College of Doctoral Studies. 

After 28 years of serving the country as a member of the United States Air Force, Stefney Dunson plans to use the research for his Ed.D. to help his fellow veterans avoid homelessness. “My goal is to go back into the VA system and help with the issue of homelessness and see if we can bring those numbers down,” Dunson said. “I know there’s a lot of issues out there with veterans right now, and after spending 28 years in the military and having some of my young folks go into the world and end up homeless, I want to be able to continue to serve, in some way, those who wore the uniform.” Sixth in a series highlighting learners in the College of Doctoral Studies. 

Christina Solares already has a bachelor’s and master’s from GCU and enjoyed it so much, she’s working on her doctorate. Her connection with her chair, Dr. Tetiana McLemore, has helped shape Solares’ dissertation. “The chair that I have, she’s the only person I can think about when I come back to this doctoral program,” she said. “She has pushed me so hard and she’s so supportive, and that is probably the number one thing that us doctoral students would ever want.” Fifth in a series highlighting learners in the College of Doctoral Studies.