Hopson ready to accept doctorate degree Saturday

Holiday decorations may deck the halls and twinkling lights flash but December also brings about an exciting time for USI students who are preparing to accept their degrees. Students crossing the stage on December 16 for the 2023 Fall Commencement are not just traditional students, either; many USI employees are completing various degrees this semester as well.

For Pamela Hopson, Executive Director of USI’s Multicultural Center, it’s adding to her 40 years of knowledge and experience when she receives a doctorate degree in education leadership at the 2023 Fall Commencement Ceremonies.

An achievement for herself

After four decades in the higher education field, why pursue a doctorate degree? Hopson answers easily; “This I did for myself.”

“I’ve poured a lot into students; I’ve encouraged them to continue their education. I’ve also encouraged my own team as well; I’ve wanted to help them grow,” she explains. “I felt like I needed to do something for myself, and it felt like the right time to do this. Something felt right about going back and pursuing another degree.”

Looking back on her decision to join the cohort for the doctorate in education,  she knew this was a personal journey and not to draw attention to herself. Hopson says her focus remained on proving to herself she could complete the course and obtain the degree. Starting the program in Fall 2020, she and others had to adapt to the classes, which moved entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But through this new experience, Hopson says she gained knowledge from the program and found another way to learn.

“It was the right time to give me another platform to engage in conversation with others, to gain new friends, build more connections,” she says. “Building relationships—you can’t put a price tag on that. It has expanded my network.”

She said another driving factor for enrolling was “walking the talk.” After spending a career encouraging students to continue their education, she wanted to be able to do the same for herself. And though her goal wasn’t to “brag” about her accomplishment of earning a doctorate, she understands how much more of an impact she can have with the students and colleagues she works with. “Education is something no one can take away from you,” she says. “Once you overcome the barriers, cross that mountain, navigate through the valleys, then it’s worth it. I can’t put a price tag on it for me—it has opened my eyes to new things.”

USI’s Doctor of Educational Leadership program has been offered since Fall 2018 and prepares students to effectively solve problems, manage school policy issues, cultivate curriculum planning, and demonstrate ethical and legal leadership skills. Hopson’s cohort was the first to be completely online, and the program remains a 100% online program today. “It caused everyone involved, regardless of the role you played, to think outside the box and get creative,” she says. “In some cases, step out of a comfort zone to make this new educational space work for everyone.”

“It’s been a good program and a great journey,” adds Hopson. “As a non-traditional student, it showed me I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I have 40 years under my belt in higher education under four presidents at USI, and it showed me that regardless of where you are in life, there is always room for growth in gaining new knowledge.”

Icing on the cake

“What has been a positive of obtaining your doctorate through USI?” It’s a question Hopson says she’s been asked many times while pursuing this degree. And though she completed her work in October, she’s been so busy it hasn’t fully sunk in that she is graduating.

One thing she can say for certain in answer to the question is that this degree—the first she will earn from USI—is special. “The other degrees I’ve achieved, I did not work at those institutions. Even though those degrees meant a lot, I would say this one means more,” Hopson says. “As I reflect back on my life, my personal and professional career, my life has been USI. I work it, I breathe it, I live it, I sleep it. This degree will rise to the top. It’s the icing on the cake. When I taste it, it will be sweet. It will also be music to my ears. I feel like I’m getting there. Once I can disconnect and spend some quality time with family and friends, I’m sure it’ll become more of a reality to me.”

 Though obtaining her doctorate was not about celebrating, Hopson is looking forward to walking across the same Commencement stage as many of the students she has helped over the years. She also is excited to share the moment with her husband, Wayne, and their adult children (Alisha, Matthew and son-in-law, Tutan), who are coming to the ceremony. Sister, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law and nieces will be there to help her celebrate. As she worked through the program, Hopson says their support and inspiration helped her keep going forward.

“I’m not complex—it doesn’t take much to satisfy me. For them to make what I consider a sacrifice to join me to celebrate my graduation means a lot to me,” she says. “My family support has been particularly important. It will be exciting just to share another momentous occasion in my life. Knowing that my faith has brought me this far feels good and humbling.”