From ABD to PhD and EdD: Navigating the Final Stretch of Your Doctoral Journey

In the challenging world of doctoral studies, where less than 5% of the U.S. population holds a doctorate degree, support and guidance are crucial for success. From ABD to PhD and EdD: Navigating the Final Stretch of Your Doctoral Journey offers a unique and powerful approach to completing your doctoral degree through the often-overlooked strategy of peer mentoring/coaching groups.

Drawing from years of experience mentoring doctoral students at prestigious institutions, Dr. Vickie E. Lake presents a comprehensive guide for both faculty and students. This book addresses the critical gap in support that many doctoral candidates face after completing their coursework, a period when guidance is most needed but often least available. From ABD to PhD and EdD is divided into three essential chapters:

1. Doctoral Group Mentoring/Coaching: Learn the fundamentals of establishing and maintaining effective peer support groups. Understand the difference between mentoring and coaching, and how to leverage both for maximum benefit.
2. Strategies for Success: Discover proven techniques for tackling each milestone of your doctoral journey, from comprehensive exams to the dissertation defense. This chapter offers practical advice on pre-writing strategies, time management, and overcoming common obstacles.
3. Resources for Completion: Navigate the often-confusing world of university resources. Learn how to effectively utilize writing centers, librarians, graduate colleges, and professional organizations to support your research and writing process.

This book is unique in its dual focus on both faculty and student perspectives. For faculty, it provides a roadmap for establishing and guiding doctoral support groups, addressing the challenges of workload balance and institutional recognition. For students, it offers a lifeline of peer support and practical strategies, especially valuable in an era of declining tenure-track positions and increasing pressure on completion times. From ABD to PhD and EdD doesn't shy away from addressing the current challenges in higher education, including the looming "enrollment cliff" and the decrease in tenure-earning faculty. Instead, it equips readers with the tools to navigate these changing landscapes successfully.

Whether you're a doctoral student feeling isolated in your research, a faculty member looking to better support your advisees, or a university administrator aiming to improve completion rates, this book offers invaluable insights. It emphasizes the power of collaboration over competition, showing how peer support can transform the often solitary doctoral journey into a shared path to success. With its blend of personal anecdotes, research-based strategies, and practical advice, From ABD to PhD and EdD is more than just a guide―it's a call to action for a more supportive and effective doctoral education system. By fostering a culture of peer mentoring/coaching, this book aims to not only increase doctoral completion rates but also to cultivate a new generation of scholars equipped to support and guide others. Don't let the challenges of doctoral studies overwhelm you. Discover the power of peer support and expert guidance with From ABD to PhD and EdD – your roadmap to achieving your doctorate and beyond.

Dr. Vickie Eileen Lake is an accomplished scholar and leader in the field of education. She currently serves as Associate Dean of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at the University of Oklahoma - Tulsa and as a Full Professor in the Department of Instructional Leadership & Academic Curriculum. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. She also holds a Master's degree from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Lake has made significant contributions to teacher education, research, and leadership. Her research interests include coaching/mentoring doctoral students, technology use with dual language learners, effective teacher education practices, and increasing diversity knowledge in school systems. Dr. Lake has an extensive publication record, including books, refereed articles, and book chapters. In addition to this current book, she is co-author of Service Learning in the PK-3 Classroom: The What, Why, and How-to Guide for Every Teacher. Her work has appeared in top journals such as Teaching and Teacher Education; Early Childhood Education Journal; and Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education. Throughout her career, Dr. Lake has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences, sharing her insights on topics such as doctoral mentoring/coaching, service-learning, technology integration, and working with diverse learners.

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Lake has chaired numerous doctoral dissertations and served on many doctoral committees. She has also been instrumental in developing and coordinating graduate programs, including the ILAC doctoral program on the Tulsa Campus and the ILAC Master of Education program for the Extended Campus in Europe. Dr. Lake's expertise has been recognized through various awards, including the Robert L. and Nan A. Huddleston Presidential Professorship, the Patricia L. Hardré Graduate Mentoring Award, and the University Teaching Award in Recognition of Excellence in Teaching from Florida State University. Her leadership extends beyond academia. As Associate Dean, she plays a crucial role in developing strategic plans, managing budgets, and overseeing academic programs. Her commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service continues to shape the field of education and inspire future generations of educators.