Coahoma Community College is proud to recognize Dr. Cynthia Williams-Roberson, Director
of Research, Assessment, and Strategic Initiatives and Accreditation Liaison, on earning
her doctorate in Higher Education. A dedicated executive team member and seasoned
educator, Dr. Williams-Roberson has long demonstrated her commitment to excellence,
and her recent academic achievement further underscores her contributions to the College
and the broader field of community college leadership.
Her dissertation, titled "Community College Faculty Perception of Guidelines for Promotions and Career Advancement," explores how institutional support and transparent practices influence faculty engagement and development. Her research highlights a key insight: when community colleges invest in fair and supportive pathways for faculty advancement, faculty are more likely to engage deeply in fostering positive student experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Williams-Roberson’s choice of topic is rooted in personal experience. Having advanced through several roles at a community college—from adjunct to full-time faculty to multiple administrative positions—she knows firsthand how critical mentorship and institutional support are to professional growth. “I’ve been fortunate to work in an institution that saw my potential and invested in my development,” she said. “That support made all the difference.”
She hopes her research will contribute to the growing body of literature focused specifically on the unique career advancement experiences of community college faculty—an area that often differs significantly from faculty pathways in university settings.
Dr. Williams-Roberson remains committed to driving strategic initiatives that improve educational outcomes and institutional effectiveness. Her work continues to center on ensuring that faculty, staff, and students receive the support they need to thrive.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, she shared:
“I am proud of my accomplishment as I am the only member of our family that we are
aware of who has earned a doctorate. My grandmother always expressed pride in my grandfather,
who passed away before I was born. Many in the neighborhood where I grew up have told
me he made it his mission to educate everyone around him. This achievement feels like
a continuation of that legacy.”
This achievement not only honors her family’s legacy but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations—reminding us all that education has the power to transform lives and communities.