The College of Education celebrates milestone with WSU Everett’s first doctoral graduate
May 10, 2024

Everett, WA – Washington State University, Everett will mark a significant milestone in its history as it awards its first doctoral degree during the campus’ commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The campus will honor Jason P. Smith, the first-ever graduate receiving an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, a testament to WSU’s commitment to expanding its advanced educational offerings across the state.

Jason P. Smith’s dissertation, “Understanding the Lived Experiences of Black Male Community College Student Veterans,” addresses a critical and underexplored area in educational research pertaining to Black veterans’ sense of belonging on Washington community colleges. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Shannon Calderone, Smith’s work provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and perspectives of a significant subset of the veteran population, offering guidance for policymakers and educational institutional leaders aiming to better support these students.

“Jason’s achievement paves the way for future doctoral candidates at our campus and highlights the caliber of students and programs at WSU Everett,” said Dr. Calderone. “His work not only contributes to our understanding of the community college student experience but also underscores our university’s role in fostering research that impacts real-world issues.”

This graduation not only celebrates an academic achievement but also reflects WSU Everett’s growing role in contributing to the scholarly community and addressing diverse educational needs across Washington and beyond.