063-Annual-Report-2023-v13 Final pages - Flipbook - Page 9
Mya Kelley earns recognition on both
College and University levels
GRADUATE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Mya Kelley, a special education doctoral candidate and graduate research
assistant, recently earned the Graduate Student Award for Mentoring in Creative
Inquiry, a University-level award presented each spring in recognition of
outstanding work with undergraduate students engaged in research. Kelly has
received commendation for her own research from several organizations including,
the Association for Positive Behavioral Supports and the South Carolina Educators
for the Practical Use of Research.
Kelley’s dissertation examines using mixed reality simulation in special education,
a tool that allows students to enter a virtual classroom and interact with avatars
that human actors control. This allows students to practice strategies or conduct
meetings, hold conferences or individualized education program meetings. Kelley
said support from the College and her department makes it possible to expand the
scope of her research.
“[That support] allowed me to really ‘seal the deal’ and collaborate with another
university and give their faculty and students the opportunity to see mixed reality in
action,” Kelley said. “Faculty support has been crucial and critical in my time as a
graduate student; I have always felt supported in that way since beginning my Ph.D.
studies at Clemson.”
South Carolina educational
leader Matthew Ferguson
discusses the value
of an Ed.D. from
Clemson University
President James P. Clements
and Mya Kelley
Matthew Ferguson serves as the deputy superintendent and chief
academic officer of the South Carolina Department of Education,
so he understands the power of education in the lives of South
Carolinians, and he constantly advocates for teachers and leaders
across the state. We’re proud to have added Ferguson to the ranks
of Clemson alumni this year. He received a Doctor of Education
(Ed.D.) in education improvement science in May.
How have your doctoral studies at Clemson impacted your work?
The improvement science program is transformative. It connects
strong theoretical and research foundations with the practical
problems educators face, which has been invaluable in my role
with the South Carolina Department of Education. Addressing realworld problems and applying research-based solutions has directly
improved student outcomes. The emphasis on data-driven decision
making and continuous improvement has enabled me to ensure we
meet the academic needs of our students across South Carolina.
What was your experience with Clemson faculty like?
Dean Kristin M. Gehsmann and Matthew Ferguson
Clemson’s faculty offer a mix of research rigor, academic
acclaim and practical experience leading schools and districts.
Their guidance during the dissertation writing process and their
commitment to connecting theory with practice have been
instrumental in my development as an educational leader. I also
benefited in my “virtual” classroom from a diverse group of fellow
students who are exceptional education practitioners. These
collaborations have stretched my thinking and deepened my
understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education
across South Carolina.
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