ADA, Okla. 鈥� The inaugural graduating class for East Central University鈥檚 Doctorate of Education in Rural Education is set to be honored during a Hooding Ceremony May 14 at 6 p.m. inside the Estep Multimedia Center.
A hooding ceremony is a special academic tradition, typically for master鈥檚 and doctoral graduates, where a faculty member places the academic hood over the student鈥檚 head, symbolizing the completion of their advanced degree, transition to a scholar and recognition of their scholarly achievement and mentorship.
Students being recognized for this achievement include Tamara (Beth) Bean, Melissa Ferguson, Alison Fowler, Gregory Lovelis and Makaayla Wood.
Tamara (Beth) Bean earned both her bachelor's in Elementary Education and master's degree in Education Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and currently serves as the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Durant Independent School District.
鈥淚 saw the story about this program advertised through media channels and knew it was the time to check a doctorate from my bucket list,鈥� she said.
Bean believes that pursuing her Doctor of Rural Education has directly strengthened the way she leads, serves and advocates for the students and families of rural southeastern Oklahoma, specifically Durant.
鈥淓very course, every research cycle, and every conversation has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and strengths that define rural communities like ours,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n my current role as a district administrator and instructional leader, this degree has sharpened my ability to design and evaluate programs that truly move the needle for our kids.鈥�
Melissa Ferguson earned her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and currently serves as Superintendent of Coleman Public Schools in Coleman, Oklahoma, where she has led significant growth in both student opportunities and district stability. With nearly 30 years in public education, she has served as a teacher, instructional leader, and administrator.
Ferguson was drawn to 成人B站鈥檚 doctoral program through professional connections and its strong emphasis on rural education. Her dissertation, The New 3 Rs: Recruitment and Retention in Rural Education, reflects her passion for supporting rural districts in attracting and retaining high-quality educators.
She believes this degree will strengthen her ability to lead with purpose and research-based practices, both in her current role and in her future work preparing the next generation of school leaders.
In August, Dr. Ferguson will begin serving as an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, while continuing to serve the students and staff of Coleman Public Schools as superintendent.
Alison Fowler earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2018 and earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling in 2022 and her Educational Leadership certificate in 2023, both from 成人B站. She currently serves as an elementary school counselor at Quinton Public Schools.
鈥淗aving attended a rural school growing up and spending my career teaching in a rural school, my heart has always been rooted in rural education,鈥� said Fowler. 鈥淭his degree has strengthened my understanding of the unique challenges and the meaningful strengths found within rural schools, allowing me to better serve the students, educators, and community where I currently work.鈥�
Fowler plans to use the knowledge and experience gained through the Rural Education Doctoral Program to help prepare and mentor future educators, potentially through teaching at the collegiate level.
In the fall, she will transition to be the Director of Counseling, Assessment, and Career Pathways in the same district she currently works in.
Gregory Lovelis earned both his bachelor鈥檚 degree from 成人B站 in 2004 and his master鈥檚 degree from 成人B站 in 2007, both in education.
A career educator, Lovelis has served the Stonewall and McLish school district since 2004 and currently serves as the superintendent of Stonewall Public Schools.
Lovelis learned about the program directly from Dr. Jerry Mihelic, Dean for the College of Education and Psychology.
鈥淐ompleting the Doctorate of Education in Rural Education has enhanced my skill set in many areas, including strategic planning, school finance, and grant writing, all crucial areas for the success of small rural districts such as Stonewall,鈥� said Lovelis. 鈥淥verall, my goal is to maximize educational opportunities for students in rural districts. This program has strengthened my ability to accomplish that goal.鈥�
Makaayla Wood earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from 成人B站 in 2019 and her master鈥檚 degree in Educational Leadership from 成人B站 in 2024. She currently teaches fourth grade math and science at Krebs Public Schools.
Wood pursued her interest in the program after reading about its launch on social media.
鈥淚 believe this degree is going to continue opening doors for me, both in my current role and in my future goals,鈥� said Wood. 鈥淚 hope to eventually move into higher education and teach at the college level, and this program has helped prepare me for that.鈥�
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