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Holmes Community College Academic Counselor Dr. Pamela Fells was not the only one celebrating when she earned her PhD this past fall. Fells graduated alongside one of her former students, Randall Quinn of Jackson. The dual graduation was a testament to the mentorship and academic excellence fostered at Holmes.
During the Jackson State University commencement ceremony on Dec. 6, Dr. Fells earned her Executive Ph.D. (EPHD) in Urban Higher Education while Quinn earned the Specialist in Education degree. The EPHD Program in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State prepares students for senior leadership roles in post-secondary institutions and related organizations. The Specialist in Education degree is designed for educators who have already obtained a Master’s, and wish to further their leadership abilities and advance their career.
Dr. Fells’ dissertation, titled “An Examination of Persistence of First-Generation African American Female College Students at a PWI through the Lens of Tinto’s Model of Attrition,” explored factors contributing to the persistence of first-generation African American female college students (FGAMFCS) at predominantly white institutions (PWI). Through the lens of Tinto’s 1993 Student Integration Model, which includes social and academic integration, as well as institutional attributes, she examined the challenges FGAMFCS face and the factors that influence their success. Prior to earning her PhD, Dr. Fells earned a master’s in guidance and counseling as well as a bachelor’s in educational psychology from Alcorn State University. Additionally, she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; the Mississippi Counselors Association, and the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists.
Quinn graduated from Holmes in May of 2016 with an Associate of Arts degree and has since achieved multiple academic milestones, including a Bachelor of Arts in 2018, a Master of Arts in 2022 and the Education Specialist degree in 2024, all from Jackson State University. Post graduation, Quinn spent six years teaching at Wingfield High School, where he shared his passion for English in English I and English II classes. Although Wingfield closed its doors last spring, Quinn didn’t skip a beat. Now in his seventh year with Jackson Public Schools, he’s thrilled to be at Provine High School, where he’s diving into his first year teaching English II.
“While at Holmes CC, I worked as a work-study student helping students in the counseling center,” Quinn said. “I helped students enroll in their courses for the upcoming semester and also assisted with Freshman Friday under the direction of Ms. Pamela Fells. Ms. Fells demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead by example. She never simply told me what to do; instead, she provided me with the tools and the space to experiment and grow. Her feedback was always constructive, aimed at pushing me beyond my comfort zone, while ensuring I understood the rationale behind each suggestion.”
Quinn’s words about his mentor highlighted the profound impact Dr. Fells had on his development both as a student and as a professional, making their coinciding graduations that much more special.
“She modeled patience and understanding, teaching me how to meet students where they are while nurturing their potential,” Quinn said. “One of the most powerful lessons I learned from Ms. Fells was the importance of maintaining a growth mindset. She encouraged me to view challenges as opportunities for growth, both for myself and my students. Under her leadership, I learned to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, not only for me but also for my students, empowering them to take risks and learn from their own setbacks.”
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