Grace Cheshire successfully defended her disquisition on March 2, 2023, and will graduate with a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership with a concentration in community college leadership on May 12.

Moreover, Cheshire was a doctoral student at WCU before she joined the faculty in the communication department in 2022. 

“We had a joke in my family because my sister and her children all attended WCU that they finally got me in the end, too,” she said. 

According to Cheshire, she wanted to pursue an Ed.D. because it opens doors to research and networking opportunities and gives her enhanced credibility as a subject matter expert. 

“The doctoral experience gave me the chance to learn a lot about systemic injustice, equity, and leadership, as well as what I find fulfilling in my career,” she said. 

Lastly, Cheshire has been selected to give the commencement address for the graduate school ceremony on May 12.