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Southern Roots, Global Impact
Dr. Brandi is a doctoral studies coach who supports doctoral students through proposal development, research decision-making, and defense preparation. Drawing from her own doctoral journey and academic training, she provides structured, focused guidance to help candidates navigate complex milestones with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Brandi understands the realities of doctoral work, including the expectations and processes that are often left unspoken. Her approach centers on preparation, informed decision-making, and forward progress, meeting doctoral students where they are academically and helping them move ahead with intention.
Her research interests include professional learning communities, with a focus on how individuals build community to achieve shared goals. This work directly informs her approach to doctoral coaching.
Her journey consists of:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Administration of Supervision and Curriculum, Auburn University
Title: Professional Learning Communities: An Examination of 21st Century and Traditional Facility Designs
Program Evaluation Certification, Auburn University
Dr. William A. Spencer Fellowship Recipient
University Council of Educational Administration Jackson Scholar Network Research Presenter
Title: An Examination of Professional Learning Communities in Elementary Schools with Different Physical Design Layouts
Barbara L. Jackson Scholar
Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership
Co Presenter: Dr. Linda Summerlin
Title: Professional Learning Communities/Communities of Practice
Instructional Leadership Certification, University of West Alabama
Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Education, University of West Alabama
Master of Education in Elementary Education, University of West Alabama
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
American Educational Research Association
Prep Panel
Dr Baker
Dr. Baker is a higher education leader, mentor, and program strategist with over 20 years of experience supporting student success, leadership development, and academic achievement across higher education, federal programs, and professional development initiatives. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Administration with a specialization in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville.
Dr. Baker has served in senior leadership, faculty, and program management roles, where she has guided undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students through academic coaching, research development, leadership growth, and professional preparation. Her expertise includes mentoring doctoral candidates through proposal development, dissertation readiness, and navigating the complexities of graduate education.
As a mentor and panel reviewer with Scholar Start, Dr. Baker is deeply committed to empowering doctoral students with clarity, confidence, and practical strategies for success. She is known for her supportive, student-centered approach and her ability to translate complex academic processes into actionable guidance that helps scholars persist and thrive.
Dr. Conway
Dr. Conway is an educational leader with expertise in literacy instruction and school leadership. She currently serves as Assistant Principal of Ramstein Intermediate School, where she supports student achievement and works closely with teachers to strengthen instructional practice.
Dr. Conway holds an EdS in Elementary Education with a specialization in Reading and an EdD in Educational Leadership. Her professional background includes experience as an elementary educator and reading intervention specialist, with a focus on improving foundational literacy skills and supporting school improvement efforts.
Dr. Dansby-Clark
Dr. Dansby-Clark is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience in K–12 education in the U.S. and abroad. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal in Germany.
Dr. Dansby-Clark earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from East Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on district-level leadership, principal burnout, and the role of relational trust and intentional support structures in sustaining school leaders. She brings experience in teaching, counseling, and school administration to her work.
Dr. Morris
Dr. Morris brings extensive experience in literacy, instructional leadership, and classroom practice to the Scholar Start Mock Proposal & Defense Panel. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Reading and Literacy.
A United States Army veteran, Dr. Morris integrates resilience, discipline, and collaboration into her work as an educator. She currently serves as a first-grade teacher and was recently recognized as District Teacher of the Year, reflecting her commitment to effective instruction, equity, and student success.
Dr. Sinclair
Dr. Sinclair is an educational leader with a background in instructional leadership, administration, and organizational management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mississippi Valley State University, master’s degrees in Management and Instructional Leadership & Administration from Belhaven College and Troy University, and a specialist degree in Instructional Leadership & Administration from Troy University. He earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Auburn University.
Before entering education, Dr. Sinclair spent eight years working in the banking and finance industry. His professional experience informs his leadership approach and commitment to developing effective educators. His research interests focus on belongingness and disciplinary outcomes for African American students.
Dr. Walton
Dr. Walton is an experienced educational leader with over 24 years in education, spanning K–12, higher education, and adult education. She currently serves as an Instructional Specialist with Mobile County Public Schools.
Dr. Walton’s background includes teaching, administration, and leadership roles across diverse educational settings. She spent ten years as a Professor of Education at Alabama A&M University and Oakwood University, supporting the preparation of future educators through curriculum and instructional development. Her administrative experience includes serving as Intermediate Dean of Adult Education at Drake State Technical College and as an Academic Vice Principal in international schools in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Walton’s work reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and strengthening instructional practice across educational systems.