Doctoral Review Panelists
Meet Dr. Brandi

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:

AERA

American Educational Research Association

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 

AERA

American Educational Research Association

Meet Our Coaches
Scholar Start coaching
Bio

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.

Scholar Start coaching
Bio

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.

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Voices from the Village

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