Susan Hughes, EdD

Story Posted: Spring 2024

“There is something special about this University. It has a way of bringing people into your life who serve as a support system and help you to become the best version of yourself.”

Susan Hughes’s journey at GMercyU took place in two parts over a twenty-five-year period. She first attended GMercyU in the fall of 1997 after graduating from Quakertown Community High School.

Susan was first exposed to GMercyU while searching for small colleges near her house. At the time, Susan was undergoing bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments from January to July of 1996 for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, so being close to home was important for her.

“GMercyU was close enough for me to commute, but I wanted the experience of living on campus. It was a good fit because it gave me the sense of independence I was seeking, but was also close to the comforts of home,” Susan said.

When she started her first semester at GMercyU, Susan was celebrating her one year in remission.

Why Education

I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was researching colleges in high school, GMercyU was one of only a few schools in the area that offered a dual major.

Susan completed her undergraduate studies in Elementary and Special Education in 2001.

Obtaining a dual degree is desirable within the field and helped when applying for jobs after graduation. Having a dual major allowed Susan to get a contracted position in special education in a local school district.

After teaching in the same field for more than twenty years, Susan began to feel ready to reignite her passion for teaching, so she reached out to Dr. Deb Schadler, a previous instructor, for advice. Dr. Schadler recommended Susan look into GMercyU’s EdD program while conducting research.

“When I started exploring doctoral programs, GMercyU was a natural fit. The asynchronous accelerated program fit into my busy lifestyle and was manageable to complete while working full time and raising a family,” Susan said.

While it did seem like the right fit, Susan felt intimidated and overwhelmed, so she held off.

“A couple of years later, I received an email that a new cohort was starting, and I decided that, while I still didn’t feel ready, it was a sign that I should take a leap of faith and apply,” Susan said. “Having spent so much time in K-12, I wanted to explore what it would be like to teach at the college/university level. Specifically, I wanted to teach future teachers and help prepare them for life in the classroom, so I chose the EdD program specializing in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.”

Educational Experience

“I will never forget my first day on campus as a freshman Education major. I was excited, but nervous. After my morning classes, I was walking back to my dorm and passed an instructor I had earlier in the day, Sister Marie Bambrick. I smiled at her as I passed by and was shocked when she said, ‘Hello, Susan!’ I had only been in her class once, for about an hour that morning, and she remembered my name. it made me feel seen, recognized, and valued, and set the tone for an amazing four years of transformation and growth,” Susan recalled.

Twenty-five years later, Susan returned to GMercyU to attend her first residency as an EdD student.

“Being back on campus felt like home. The support and encouragement I have received in this EdD program is unparalleled. Whether it was receiving guidance from Dr. Tamarah Smith, having Dr. Tiffany Cresswell-Yeager cheer me on when I shared that my daughters wanted to wear my blazers, or watching Dr. Peggy Rosario model best practices in higher education, I have once again felt seen, recognized, and valued,” shared Susan. “I am leaving Gwynedd Mercy University with the confidence and motivation to take on whatever my future holds.”

Fieldwork Experience

As an undergraduate student, Susan participated in the Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), pre-student teaching and student-teaching at various schools within Montgomery County.

As a student in the EdD program, Susan participated in practicum which allowed her to experience various tenants of higher education, such as analyzing disposition surveys and planning for the Annual Autism Conference.

“Each experience, as both an undergraduate and graduate student, gave me hands-on, real-life experiences directly related to my field,” Susan said.

Research

Within the EdD program, Susan researched how virtual learning throughout the Covid-19 pandemic impacted adolescent students during the transition from elementary to middle school. Specifically, she investigated how virtual learning met adolescents’ developmental needs and how returning to in-person instruction impacted their sense of belonging.

“I chose this topic for my dissertation because I wanted to examine how the quick shift from brick-and-mortar school to a virtual learning environment affected middle school students,” Susan said.

While she has not presented her research at any conferences yet, she did participate in the Three Minute Thesis competition during her Ireland Residency and earned second place.

Campus Experience

My absolute favorite part about GMercyU is the people. As a freshman, I lived on floor 2 West in Loyola Hall. It was here that I met lifelong friends that, to this day, I still hang out with. The same is true as a graduate student. The members in my cohort have been my lifeline throughout the EdD program.

Susan’s goal when starting college was to branch out and try new things. She was a member of the Yearbook Committee, Student Government Association (SGA), and the Honor’s Program. She served a variety of roles within SGA, and was named President during her senior year, helping her to receive the Catherine McAuley Award at commencement.

Within her major, Susan participated in a few volunteer programs to gain more experience in the special education field. Specifically, she helped with Adult Services and Harmony Theater on campus.

Why GMercyU

“I would recommend Gwynedd Mercy University to any prospective student who wants a top-notch education in a caring and nurturing environment. GMercyU will forever have a special place in my heart. You will graduate with more than just a degree – you will graduate with a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and motivation to move in the direction of your dreams. Participating in the EdD program is the best thing I ever did for myself,” Susan said.

Post-Graduation

Susan is set to graduate from the EdD program in May 2024. While she is not exactly sure what the future holds, Susan plans to continue in her current teaching position.

“I would love to become an adjunct professor at GMercyU in the near future and eventually move to higher education full time,” Susan said.