Inspired to Climb Higher: The Journey, the Challenges, the Questions, the Struggles, and the Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree

Inspired to Climb Higher: The Challenges, Questions, Struggles, and Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree invites readers to experience the personal stories of eight women with unique doctoral journeys who, while facing or overcoming the sometimes-mountainous challenges of everyday life, accepted the call to seek the highest level of academic achievement. Inspired to Climb Higher is a "know before you go" guide written to help prepare anyone thinking of obtaining a doctorate for the challenges their journey might present. It provides answers to questions students might have about pursuing a doctorate. The book contains chapters devoted to questions, answers, and advice for anyone considering earning a doctoral degree, as well as a chapter meant to help prepare future candidates for the rigors and requirements of writing a doctoral dissertation.

Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdD, is a senior business & computer science teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a mentor and coach to new teachers. Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Jyenny Babcock, EdD, is a retired higher education professional turned doctoral student life coach in the greater Sacramento, California area. Dr. Babcock has an EdD in leadership with a health and wellness focus of study from American College of Education, Indiana.

Noha Abdou, EdD, is the director of institutional research in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning at California State University. She earned her EdD in educational leadership from the California State University, Fullerton.

Helga M. McCullough, EdD, is a first-generation college student. She earned her EdD with a concentration in speech-language pathology from Nova Southeastern University.

Wanda K. W. Ebright, PhD, is a tenured professor of dance, serving in her second year as dean of the College of the Arts at Columbus State University in Georgia. She earned her PhD in dance from Texas Woman’s University.

Deborah J. Broom-Cooley, EdD, is a retired educator with 43 years of service in teaching and leadership. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership at Argosy University (University of Sarasota).

Jennifer Malone, EdD,is an assistant professor of education at Missouri Western State University. She earned her EdD from Saint Louis University in educational leadership.

Sallie B. Middlebrook, PhD, is a writer, editor, and writing coach. She earned a PhD in business administration and management (with a specialization in marketing) from Walden University, Minnesota.