By: Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Director
Lavorette Preston ’00, M’03, D'25 describes her college journey as “an emotional rollercoaster ride unlike any other found in an amusement park that ended up being the most rewarding ride of my lifetime.”
That ride began years ago in Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Weekend College program, where Lavorette balanced a full-time job with her coursework. Now, after years of perseverance and one class at a time, she is preparing to walk across the stage to receive her degree from Notre Dame, a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations.
“I’ve always considered myself to be a lifelong learner,” Lavorette said. “After completing my master’s degree, my thoughts kept circling back to pursuing a doctoral degree.”
A human resources professional for more than two decades, Lavorette has spent much of her career hiring and mentoring young workers. It’s this experience that fueled her doctoral research in youth workforce readiness.
“As older workers prepare to leave the workforce, it’s imperative that younger workers are properly trained to take their place,” she explained. Since becoming Notre Dame’s director of human resources earlier this year, she has the opportunity to put that perspective into practice every day.
While the academic journey wasn’t always smooth, Lavorette leaned into patience and persistence. “Sometimes it was hurry up and wait,” she laughed. “But I learned to give myself more time and grace.”
She attributes part of her success to a couple of memorable professors, Dr. Kathryn Doherty and Dr. Angela Snyder, as well as the Wednesday night writing group that helped her finish her dissertation. “I never felt alone. That group kept me moving forward.” Additionally, Lavorette is grateful for becoming a role model for family, friends and classmates who are considering pursuing their doctoral degrees.
With graduation around the corner, Lavorette is looking forward to some well-earned rest. But afterward, she’s eager to continue her research and find ways to give back. Her advice to future doctoral candidates? “Even when you don’t meet the milestones you set for yourself, don’t give up. Keep going - you will persevere.”
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
