Help Shaun Finish His Doctoral Degree

Greetings,

 

My name is Shaun Williams and I am currently a doctoral candidate enrolled in the Educational Leadership program at Rider University, which is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. I am currently writing my dissertation and I am nearing the end of my program. I have one semester and a J-Term (Winter semester) left. I am scheduled to graduate in May 2022. My dissertation is entitled The Persistence & Experiences of Black Graduate Students At a Private Liberal Arts University. My motive for writing this dissertation is to point out the disproportionality of Black graduate students who are enrolled in college spaces and to address the issues that they face. I am also focusing on how diversity within these spaces only cater to certain demographics and that these universities don't always seek to include students who are Black. My passions are in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, and my dream is to one day become an Academic Dean. I am also interested in teaching Higher Education courses at the graduate level such as: Diversity, Leadership, Group Dynamics, and Management within higher education. I am very passionate about creating opportunities for not only Black graduate students, but all marginalized and specialized populations within higher education such as: LGBTQ students, minority students, international students, undocumented students, students with disabilities, veteran students, and graduate students. Additionally, I see this degree as a means for also helping me with my other passion, which is in singing, songwriting, and working within the music industry in some capacity. I see this degree as an opportunity for me to make meaningful connections within this field. I'd like to help create more awareness for the lack of diversity within the arts and use this degree as an opportunity to help create more opportunities for marginalized communities within public arts. This degree is for the unheard, the unseen, and the underdogs.

 

Why I Need Your Help!

Unfortunately, I lost my job back in August. I am currently employed  part-time as a First-Year Writing instructor. I am struggling to make ends meet and I just cannot afford to continue to pay my tuition out of pocket. I have been in school for over 14 years and I am totally maxed out of federal loans and I do not qualify for personal loans due to my credit. I don't have any other options, so I am turning to GoFundMe for help. If you can find it in your heart to help me, I will be so appreciative and more than thankful. My goal is to reach $6,500 by the end of December, as this is my current balance within the university. Currently, I cannot register for my final courses because of a financial hold. If you can help, you can either donate directly here on GoFundMe or you can make a payment directly to Rider University. My student ID number is 006537949 and you can contact Financial Services at Rider University for more information on how to make a direct payment. All payments will go directly to my student balance at Rider University.

 

I am very dedicated and passionate about finishing this degree. I have been in school since 2007 and this is my final stretch. I would really hate to not be able to finish my degree as well as miss out on the opportunity for me to make meaningful contributions in both fields of higher education and music. These are truly my life's passions and my callings.

 

Praying for the best,

 

Warm wishes!-Shaun