After years of work, on May 10 Rowdy Fatheree was awarded his Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Design and Instruction from McKendree University.

With the long process of attaining a Doctorate, there must have been many factors, including motivation, to keep Dr. Fatheree going.

“I’m a first-generation college student, so I have an interest in being a lifelong learner, but I also had somebody tell me that I could never do it,” said Dr. Fatheree.

Dr. Fatheree earning his degree not only benefits himself but also his role as a Principal, which benefits the school as a whole.

“It was great for me because what I was studying was best practice and applicable to being a better principal. so I feel it benefited both me and the school,” stated Dr. Fatheree.

The dissertation, an extensive research project, is known as the most difficult part of gaining the Doctoral degree, and with the many responsibilities on Dr. Fatheree’s back, he had to make sure to balance his time well and use it wisely.

“My research was based upon self-efficacy and teacher retention. One of my most important jobs as principal aligns with this research by hiring the best-qualified staff and then also keeping them,” said Dr. Fatheree.

Dr. Fatheree defended his dissertation on September 19.

“The dissertation was very challenging to complete at 180 pages, the Principal’s job is very challenging but most important to me was meeting the challenge of being a husband and a father of two young boys involved in many sports and activities,” stated Dr. Fatheree.

Dr. Fatheree found many sources of inspiration on his road to attaining his degree.

“I was very motivated by watching Dr. VanZandt go through the program years prior. I have a strong desire to finish my career at the collegiate level and I would encourage anyone interested in completing a doctorate to contact me with any questions. I learned so much about not only my dissertation topics but myself and what motivates me,” explained Dr. Fatheree.