The Power of Purpose
Aaron Pryor '10 M'14 D'25 shares how his own experiences and passion led him to a doctorate at USI.

Aaron Pryor '10 M'14 D'25 shares how his own experiences and passion led him to a doctorate at USI.

By Trista Lutgring

WHILE WORKING ON his dissertation for a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) degree earlier in 2025, Aaron Pryor '10 M'14 D'25, Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), focused on a student population he knew well: first-generation students from low-income backgrounds.

"Among the things that came through in my findings was a heavy focus on the power of finding purpose and creating meaning for oneself as determining factors for students finding success in higher education," Pryor explained.

It was something he could relate to personally. After graduating high school in 2005, college wasn't part of his plan. But a mentor—a high school math teacher—encouraged him to take a chance.

"He wouldn't take no for an answer," Pryor recalled.

Pryor enrolled at Purdue University, though he admits he felt lost. "I did that thing where first-generation college students kind of choose a profession without really knowing anything about it," he said. Financial pressures soon made continuing there difficult, so he transferred to Owensboro Community College.

At Owensboro, a course similar to USI's UNIV 101 became pivotal. It prompted him to think about what he truly wanted in a career. "During that first year, I went into exploration mode," he said. "That's where I first encountered social work."

Though uncertain what social work really entailed, something about it resonated. "It felt like a calling," he said. "Growing up, my mom's work was always adjacent to social services, so I was familiar with the field."

After earning his associate degree, Pryor transferred to the University of Southern Indiana to pursue a bachelor's in social work, a move that solidified his sense of direction.

"I've always been about social change,

about helping people and making a difference."

During his senior year, he interned with Aurora, a nonprofit serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Evansville area. "I was lucky timing-wise," he said. "I worked alongside some of the best social workers in the area and learned so much from them."

The experience confirmed he was on the right path. After graduating from USI in 2010, Pryor accepted a full-time position with Aurora. For three years, he worked closely with individuals and families in crisis, but eventually, he began to feel the familiar nudge to keep growing.

"I started thinking about what the next step in my journey was, and that led me back to USI for a master's in social work," he said. "It felt like a natural evolution; the master's level is all about clinical work and therapy."

Pryor completed the program in a single, whirlwind year. "That year was intense," he said with a laugh. "I bought my first house, got married, and was working full time while finishing my degree."

After earning his master's in 2014, he again found himself reflecting on what came next. Social work remained his passion, but he'd always had an interest in education. When a position opened at USI in the TRIO program, he applied—despite not knowing much about it.

"It turned out to be one of the best fits," Pryor said. "I got to work with students who shared similar backgrounds to mine—first-generation, low-income students—and help them work through barriers to success."

For seven years, Pryor served in TRIO, eventually as Director. The work was deeply fulfilling, but once again, the question of 'what's next?' arose. Around that time, USI had launched its new Doctor of Education program, offering a concentration in educational leadership.

"It felt like the next right step," he said. 

"USI just can't shake me. My doctorate will be my third degree from USI."

His dissertation gave him the opportunity to explore the deeper question that had threaded through his own journey: what drives students to persist in higher education? For Pryor, the answer centered on purpose. "Finding meaning and understanding your 'why' can change everything," he said.

Before completing his doctorate, Pryor took time to reflect on how far he'd come. "To think I once doubted I'd even go to college, it's humbling," he said. "Now, as a therapist in CAPS, I get to help students through the same struggles I faced. I see them in the early stages of that same journey, and it allows me to connect with them in a very real way."

That perspective shapes how he approaches his work every day. "It helps me truly believe in the words we say to students about realizing their potential," he said. "I know it's possible because I've lived it."

Pryor's story circles back to the central theme of his research—the transformative power of purpose. Despite financial barriers, uncertainty, and the winding path his education took, purpose gave his journey shape and direction.

"Understanding how powerful purpose can be and being in a position where I can help students find it for themselves has been deeply affirming," he said.

Through every chapter—from uncertain beginnings to earning his doctorate—Pryor has embodied the lesson at the heart of his own scholarship: that meaning and purpose are not only the keys to success in higher education, but also the foundation for building a life of service and growth.