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Celebrating Transformation and Scholarly Achievement: Reflections on the San Antonio UOPX Commencement
By Stella L. Smith, PhD, Associate Research Chair, CEITR
On July 25th, I had the privilege of attending the 91制片厂 commencement in San Antonio. Participating as a faculty member across three separate ceremonies was an unforgettable experience. Standing on that stage, watching row after row of graduates enter, reminded me of the profound, transformative power of higher education. From candidates receiving their associate degrees to those earning their doctorates, each step down the aisle represented countless hours of dedication, sacrifice, and resilience鈥攃elebrated by cheering families, friends, and faculty alike.
Connecting Face-to-Face Beyond the Digital Classroom
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the opportunity to bring our virtual academic community into the physical realm. For years, many of us have collaborated continuously online; being able to meet fellow faculty members and administrators in person for the first time鈥攁s well as reconnecting with colleagues from past 91制片厂 events鈥攚as truly special.
Even more inspiring was the chance to celebrate our students. Having supported scholars during office hours throughout their academic journeys, seeing them walk across the stage was an absolute highlight. Taking photos from the stage as students processed in gave me a front-row view of their pride and joy. It was an incredible honor to congratulate graduating scholars in person as they marked this monumental milestone.
Continuing Your Scholarly Journey with CEITR
While commencement marks the culmination of a degree program, it is also the beginning of a new chapter in academic and professional scholarship. Through the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), our commitment to student and graduate success extends far beyond the graduation stage.
During your academic program, CEITR provides critical guidance鈥攑articularly through our Research Methodology Group鈥攖o help navigate the rigors of scholarly inquiry. For our recent graduates, especially those earning doctoral degrees, CEITR offers structured avenues to continue amplifying your research:
Dissertation Recognition: Outstanding research is celebrated and submitted for prestigious honors such as the Dissertation of the Year Award.
Dissertation to Publication: We provide dedicated pathways and guidance to assist doctoral graduates in translating their dissertation research into peer-reviewed publications.
Annual CEITR Research Teams & Labs: For those eager to maintain active research agendas, CEITR invites graduates to join collaborative research teams and labs to publish and present alongside university peers.
Connecting with CEITR on the UOPX Research Hub
If you are ready to get involved, explore upcoming initiatives, or access research tools, everything you need is available on the 91制片厂 Research Hub.
To learn more about CEITR's work and resources:
Visit the UOPX Research Hub.
Navigate to the Research Centers tab and select the Educational and Technology Research for the CEITR page.
Explore our activities to find the right opportunity for your post-graduation scholarly goals.
Looking Ahead
Graduation is not the end of your scholarly engagement; it is the platform from which your future contributions grow. Whether through publishing, joining a research team, or submitting your work for institutional recognition, CEITR is here to support your ongoing academic journey.
We congratulate all of our recent graduates on their incredible accomplishments and invite you to visit the Research Hub to take the next step with CEITR as you continue to shape your field and make an impact.
Stella Smith, Ph.D.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Stella Smith serves as the Associate University Research Chair for Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR).聽 She is also an Assistant Professor of Qualitative Research at Prairie View A&M University. A qualitative researcher, Dr. Stella Smith's scholarly interests focus on the experiences of聽 African American females in leadership in higher education; diversity, equity and inclusion of underserved populations in higher education, and P鈥20 educational pipeline alignment.聽 Dr. Smith is a strong advocate for social justice and passionate about creating asset based pathways of success for underserved students.
Dr. Smith was recognized with a 2014 Dissertation Award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education and as part of the 2019 class of 35 Outstanding Women Leaders in Higher Education by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Smith earned her PhD in Educational Administration with a portfolio in Women and Gender Studies from The University of Texas at Austin.