Dr. Ka'Wanda Bell earns doctorate degree from Capella University
Working every day to enhance the minds of elementary students at Cornerstone Prep Lester in Memphis, Tennessee didn’t stop Alcorn State University alumna and Fayette, Mississippi native Dr. Ka'Wanda Bell from furthering her education. Her latest accomplishment is one that she appreciates dearly.
“I felt overjoyed as well as relieved to have finally completed my studies,” said Bell. “Trying to balance work life as a full-time teacher and working toward finishing my degree were extremely challenging. So, when I finally received the dean’s approval, words couldn’t explain how elated I was to have successfully completed this milestone.”
Bell, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education with a reading emphasis, earned a doctorate degree in reading and literacy from Capella University Friday, March 10.
The doctorate program at Capella University is one that Bell thinks highly of. She’s very satisfied with the knowledge she received, and is confident that it will be a tremendous help to her career in the future.
“Capella’s doctorate program definitely puts you on the path for success. From the prerequisites to the numerous coursework and internships down to the dissertation and capstone courses, one will venture through various discussion posts and a plethora of research papers.”
Growing up, Bell looked up to and studied numerous female educators who provided a great blueprint for her future. She credits their example for her dedication to education and success.
“I’ve always looked up to doctors of education from an early age up until I started my teaching career in Mississippi. I’ve always admired my aunt, Dr. Arcola Sullivan; my former principal, Dr. Wanda Fears; and one of my former Alcorn professors, Dr. Jan Duncan. These powerful women showed grit, determination and a joy for education. I wanted to do the same.”
Bell hopes to use her newly acquired credentials to open a reading facility that would allow students to explore literature.
