USM Gulf Park Graduate Recalls Fond Memories as a Student

Thu, 12/07/2023 - 09:49am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

Dr. Melissa Wheat shared her thoughts on her program’s impact as she prepares to walk across the stage this fall to graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Human Capital Development doctoral program in the School of Leadership at the Gulf Park Campus.

“I have learned so much personally and professionally going through this program. I think the biggest lesson I learned is what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it. It’s something we hear throughout our lives, but I didn’t realize what it truly meant until I completed this journey. Everyone in the School of Leadership has been helpful with every aspect,” said Wheat.

Wheat resides in Carriere, Miss., and started her USM PhD pursuit in the fall of 2017. A friend recommended the Human Capital Development program to her. After researching the curriculum, Wheat realized it was a perfect fit for her goals.

The program required three days at the Gulf Park campus with one facilitated online course each week for each class. The dissertation phase was self-directed work through final defense. The hybrid option provided flexibility and many opportunities to stay connected with classmates.

“I really loved the setup of being able to take classes in the evening but also being able to get together with classmates and talk about our differing research projects,” said Wheat.

Wheat said the School of Leadership provided many opportunities to network with other classmates who were enrolled in the program. She recollects the gatherings to be one of the fondest memories of her educational career. Wheat described herself as an introvert but enjoyed the gatherings at the Great Southern Club in Gulfport, Miss., explaining it challenged her to get out of her comfort zone.

“From the beginning, they [The School of Leadership] did a great job with fostering belonging and a sense of community with all of the students,” said Wheat.

Wheat remembers that the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic in spring 2020 moved her classes to 100% online. She was grateful for the gathering with her classmates before the pandemic started. Once restrictions eased, in-person classes resumed.

With doctoral programs, dissertations are essential. Wheat recalls how the School of Leadership committee made her feel as she was prepared before eventually walking into the room to defend her research. She felt like an expert.

“I will always remember how my committee prepared me for the proposal and final defenses of my dissertation. It wasn’t easy, but they did everything they could to make sure I was ready when I walked into that room,” said Wheat.

She credits the faculty and staff to being a good influence for her. While she’s happy to complete her studies, she’s sad her time at USM has ended.

Wheat is continuing to develop herself personally and professionally while utilizing the leadership skills taught in her coursework. Wheat works at Stennis Space Center. She started her career as an IT technical worker then later promoted to IT leadership. She hopes to continue to move into an organizational leadership role that has greater influence on organizational and leadership development.