By Maria Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DEC. 19, 2024 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley recently celebrated its Fall 2024 doctoral graduates during its third hooding ceremony held at the Brownsville Campus.

 The event honored the achievements of the university’s newest “doctors” and marked a milestone in their academic and professional journeys. Families, friends, faculty and academic leaders gathered to recognize the hard work and dedication of 350 graduates.

Dr. Can (John) Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College, underscored the importance of the ceremony as a symbol of achievement and transition.

“This ceremony marks the transition from student to scholar and reflects the dedication and perseverance you have shown throughout your doctoral journey,” he said. “Your research and contributions will have a lasting impact, not only in your fields but also on the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. UTRGV remains committed to supporting academic excellence and research that addresses critical societal challenges.”

Saygin also acknowledged the important role played by mentors and faculty.

“I want to congratulate the dissertation chairs, faculty advisors, and mentors who played a crucial role in your success,” he said. “Your guidance, support, and commitment to these graduates have been invaluable, and today we celebrate your efforts as well.”

Among the graduates honored was Dr. Ashley S. Leal, who earned an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Summer 2024. Her dissertation, titled The Lipan Apache (ndé) tribe of Texas powwow: a curriculum of culture(s) and pedagogy of place, was chaired by Dr. Laura Jewett.

Leal, an Edinburg native, has deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley and the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas. Reflecting on her achievement, she highlighted its personal and professional significance.

“Earning my doctorate in education (Ed.D.) is a significant achievement for me and my family. It shows my children that with hard work and determination, even the most challenging goals are within reach,” Leal said. “This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, children, and the dedicated staff and faculty at UTRGV. I am especially grateful to my chair, Dr. Laura M. Jewett, and our dean, Dr. Alma Rodríguez, for their guidance and encouragement.”

Leal also spoke about her commitment to her community and her professional role.

“Professionally, I take great pride in representing the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. This achievement enables me to continue my work through meaningful research and publications that highlight and serve these communities,” she said.

Leal, who serves as Senior Manager for Research and Grant Management at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), discussed her future plans.

“I am honored to serve our nation’s military survivors as the Senior Manager for Research and Grant Management at TAPS. My doctoral studies have provided me with the tools to expand our research capabilities and further the organization’s impact,” she said.

Leal is the first UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration student to receive the prestigious Jess Hay Chancellor’s Graduate Student Research Fellowship, awarded by The University of Texas System. This award, given to just one human science student systemwide each year, highlights Leal’s research contributions.

Dr. Alma D. Rodríguez, dean of the College of Education and P-16 Integration, praised the graduates for their dedication.

“I am very proud of each and every one of the doctoral graduates who were hooded tonight. This ceremony is a celebration of their hard work and accomplishments,” Rodríguez said. “I look forward to hearing the great things they will accomplish with their terminal degrees as leaders in the field of education. Congratulations to our doctoral graduates!”

In her advice to current and future doctoral students, Leal encouraged persistence.

“To those currently in a doctoral program: Keep going, even if it’s just one step at a time—you will get there!” she said. “Lean on your family, friends, and mentors for support. Collaborate with peers and take every opportunity to attend and present research; these experiences will be invaluable as you approach your proposal and defense.”

As the ceremony concluded, Saygin reminded the graduates of their responsibilities as scholars and leaders.

“The dedication, resilience, and commitment that brought you to this moment will continue to serve you well as you move forward. Take pride in your accomplishments and know that we—your mentors, colleagues, and Vaqueros everywhere—are proud of you,” he said.