About
Student Spotlights
We're proud of our graduate students' accomplishments in their teaching and research within the fields of educational leadership and policy studies. Learn more about our students and their experiences while enrolled in our program.
Student Spotlight: Maude Graham
When she was 9-years-old, Maude Graham dreamed of replacing the lined-up teddy bears
in her bedroom with her own classroom of students. Today, she’s an experienced third-grade
reading teacher at Rosabelle W. Blake Academy and was honored as the 2021 Polk County
Teacher of the Year—a recognition that’s reserved for only one out of 6,800 educators
in the county’s school district.
Student Spotlight: Laura Meehan
Laura Meehan knew her passion for music and students with disabilities would guide
her to make a meaningful difference. Driven to learn more about policy, Meehan took
on leadership roles within her school and began working toward a PhD in Educational
Leadership in Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV's College of Education.
Student Spotlight: Hillary Van Dyke
During her master's program at Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV, Hillary Van Dyke's fascination with studying equity
in schools grew and inspired her to pursue an unanticipated career direction—academic
research and the creation of a not-for-profit organization that supports Black-owned
businesses in the Tampa Bay community.
Student Spotlight: Robert Bhoolai
Following a career change to teaching, Robert Bhoolai enrolled in Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV's Educational
Leadership master's program to learn how to better drive student learning and achievement.