Raised in Prairie View, Texas, I have always held a distinctive pride in being a Prairie View A&M graduate. My most significant life lessons were shaped by the sense of community and purpose that was instilled in me as a student here.
When I was accepted into the Educational Leadership Ph.D. Program, it was one of the happiest moments in my life. However, I had no idea of the unforeseen tragedies ahead of me. It would include my home flooding during Hurricane Harvey, the untimely deaths of three close family members, my husband having a stroke, and my mother being diagnosed with cancer. These devastating events crushed me emotionally. My academic progression in the program stopped as I took care of my family.
Time passed. The motivation I had was gone. I could not see a positive way forward to complete my degree. I felt disappointed and discouraged with myself. This was something I had dreamed of accomplishing. It was more than just a terminal degree; it was an opportunity to join a community of scholars and make an important contribution to research.
Family and friends consistently encouraged me not to lose sight of the goals I set. I’ll forever be grateful for their reinforcement of my confidence. My husband, Michael Bishop, who is a National College Football Hall of Fame quarterback, made a miraculous recovery from his stroke, and my mother went into remission. They would not let me quit. Prayer and faith steered me back on track through the arduous times. When I wanted to give up hope, my dissertation chair, Dr. Patricia Hoffman-Miller, never turned her back on me or had doubt. She remained steadfast in her vision of my future and navigated me to the finish line.
Today, I am filled with deep appreciation for my spectacular network of support, including the trailblazers, all PVAMU professors, in my committee: Dr. Hoffman-Miller (chair), Dr. Pamela Barber-Freeman, Dr. Stella Smith, and Dr. Beverly Sande. I have carried the profound efforts of making a difference in the lives of others as they have in mine.
Lasonya Dunham Bishop
I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Program Director for a leading non-profit organization, VOA (Volunteers of America) Texas. I was awarded a national leadership excellence award for program innovation, highlighting my efforts in workforce development services for over 3,000 Houston-area residents in vulnerable communities.
The resilience I gained through personal and professional perseverance in my doctoral journey at Prairie View A&M University has unequivocally taught me to never give up on a dream.
Truly, Excellence Lives Here!
Lasonya Dunham Bishop graduates from Prairie View A&M University this spring with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
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