Graduation is set for December 8
#SouthernUniversity
 |
Frances Alexander,
Ed.D. |
“I am excited that I was able to persevere and complete
the doctoral program in Educational Administration,” said Alexander. It was her
family, she noted, that encouraged her to pursue her terminal degree.
USM conferred her degree in July. Her graduation is set
for December 8 in Hattiesburg.
For Alexander, a resident of Woodville, this achievement
was a dream come true – something she’s wanted for many years. Now it’s a
reality, she said, and she’s ready to move forward into the next chapter of her
career.
Alexander’s doctoral studies culminated in a capstone
project titled, “The Impact of Family Engagement in Elementary Schools
Turnaround Initiatives.” Her research shows that “positive family engagement
influences students' attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes,” Alexander
said. “I recommend further research using a mixed method design where data can
be analyzed for a minimum of three years to determine if family engagement
influences the school's turnaround initiative.”
The academic work was both rigorous and enjoyable for
Alexander. “At times I was challenged because I had not taken college courses
in nearly 20 years,” she said. “However, I feel that the rigor was appropriate
for doctoral level courses.”
Alexander viewed the process as a catalyst for personal
and professional growth, as well as an opportunity to make a contribution in
her field of study.
"Learning new things, reading the findings from
other researchers, and conducting my own research study was like watching a
flower bloom in slow motion,” she said. “I also enjoyed meeting and networking
with scholars from across the United States.”
Alexander's career in education included 15 years as an
administrator and 11 years as a teacher.
She served five years as the principal of Cohn Elementary
School in West Baton Rouge Parish. Prior to that position, she worked as the
school’s assistant principal. From 2013 to 2016, she worked as the education
supervisor for Management and Training Corporation, serving at Wilkinson County
Correctional Facility.
Alexander holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and
Literature from Southern University, Baton Rouge, La. She earned her Master of
Education in Educational Leadership and Administration at Southern University
and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge.
In addition to her work in education, Alexander remains
active as a volunteer in her community. She is past president of the
Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association. She is also an exhibit
interpreter at the African American Museum and secretary for the Wilkinson
County Library System.
#SouthernUniversity #WeAreSouthern #FinishStronger #HBCU #SouthernMiss
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