Two EdD doctoral graduates honored with 2024 Thomas Mulkeen Award

Dr. Shaneka Ferrell and Dr. Laura Mayberry, distinguished graduates of the EdD program, have been announced as the recipients of this year's Thomas Mulkeen Award. Presented annually by the College of Education and Human Services, the award recognizes outstanding doctoral dissertations that best exemplify practice-centered inquiry.

Doctoral graduates are evaluated based on criteria including the clarity and significance of their research problems or hypotheses, the depth of their literature review, the methodological soundness of their approach, the thoroughness of their data analysis, and the clarity of their discussions on the study's importance and relevance.

The award, to be bestowed later this semester during the COEHS Spring Awards Convocation, honors the legacy of Thomas A. Mulkeen, a revered professor at Fordham University and a consultant who played a pivotal role in shaping the UNF EdD program in Educational Leadership. His advocacy for practice-centered inquiry inspired the focus of doctoral dissertations within the program. To commemorate his contributions, the faculty established the Thomas Mulkeen Award, which is bestowed annually to the dissertation that best exemplifies this inquiry approach.

About the Awardees:

Dr. Shaneka Ferrell currently serves as the Director of Programs at Cathedral Arts Project, where she oversees performing and visual arts programs. With a background in counselor education, Dr. Ferrell prioritizes student empowerment and advocates for culturally responsive educational practices. Her dissertation titled "How performing arts high school students experienced involvement in a Black, student-created and student-led organization focused on uplifting Black art and artists: A critical phenomenological study" highlights the significance of culturally sustaining practices in schools serving diverse student populations. Dr. Ferrell is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments where students can thrive creatively and academically.

Dr. Laura Mayberry, Assistant Principal for Clay County District Schools, brings a wealth of experience from her 14-year tenure as an Economics teacher. Inspired by her classroom experiences, Dr. Mayberry pursued doctoral research to explore the impact of teacher-created grading systems on student outcomes. Her dissertation, "Making the grade: Do teacher-created grading systems result in disparate outcomes for high school students?" sheds light on the disparities in course grades attributed to assigned teachers, emphasizing the need for enhanced professional development in grading practices. Dr. Mayberry's commitment to improving educational outcomes underscores her dedication to student success and teacher professional growth.