In an academic pursuit, formally known Clague principal Mr. Harvell now became a “Doctor” Harvell. He recently earned and added a prestigious title to his life: the doctorate. His journey to this moment not only added pride in him and his family, but may assist him in all his educational work in the future.
“It feels amazing to finally be referred to as Dr. Harvell,” Harvell said. His journey to this academic doctorate was no easy feat, but he managed to achieve his goal of becoming a doctor.
Highlighting the parts of the studying process regarding the doctorate, Harvell also added that “this was a very intensive process.”
“Over the last few years, I’ve spent an additional eight hours a day on top of my job analyzing data and conducting research,” he said.
Harvell also credits and thanks his family (wife and his brother) in their unwavering support. In the end, the studying (and also the support from his family) did pay off for Harvell to earn a doctorate.
The pathway to earning a doctorate is not an easy journey. Harvell highlighted that “the doctorate consists of a great deal of reading, writing papers, analyzing data, conducting research, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis.” Mr. Harvell’s research conducted the “4 Principals of Color in Michigan, a story of resisting, persisting, and thriving in K-12 Education,” as Harvell stated.
The end of this process, as Harvell states, was a defense of “your dissertation which is between 150-200 pages of research to a committee of doctors who will challenge your research and ask lots of questions about your study.” After completing this intense process, Harvell says that you can finally earn the title.
With his new doctorate degree with him, Harvell continues and is setting his sights into further contributions to the learning program. He plans to create and establish his own educational and counseling firm in Michigan. He also even plans to eventually branch out this formation nationally with the help of his brother (also a doctor) and his friends.
His motivation stemmed from personal thoughts, of which inspired by her mother who emphasized the importance and value of education. Her mother wanted both Harvell and his brother to become a doctor.
“I was motivated to pursue a doctorate degree by my mother who passed away in 2004,” Harvells said. “She always instilled the importance of education to my brother and I and wanted us to both become doctors.”
Harvell’s achievement is not only a personal milestone, but it opens new possibilities to the educational program that no one could have foreseen. His story of becoming a doctorate, a vivid illustration about how hard working, determination, and resilience, shows that anyone can achieve and become a doctorate, just if they have sheer determination to do what they want.
Jamiela Posey • May 23, 2024 at 1:39 am
As a Clague Junior High former student and as one of very few African American children in the school during the seventies I am very proud to see that Dr Harville is doing so well! My mother was in Pre Med and I had a very hard time at the school, because of a teacher by the name of Ms Stein who took every opportunity, daily as she was my homeroom teacher, to single me out, and viciously embarrass and humiliate me and make my skin color and issue. Once she relentlessly berated me in front of the class. From that point on I was Jamiela, the gorilla.
But then there was Mr Pipkin! Mr Pipkin was a wonderful English teacher who cultivated my interested in reading the classics. My favorite was Of Mice and Men thanks to him. Mr. Pipkin’s English class a true safe haven for me. I was safe, made to feel valued and human. In his class, grunting gorilla noises ( from my fellow students) was forbidden when I raised my hand. And I received the positive, constructive attention each student deserves.
My mother graduated PreMed in 1981 and accepted a residency at Rush University, where she specialized in Psychiatry, then opened her own practice before passing away in 2004.
I realize times are different now, and the challenges minorities face have somewhat abited.
Dr Harville, I pray that you are as dedicated and supportive to your students as Mr Pipkin. You are the principal and that comes with a plethora of duties. I pray that you stay connected to both the teachers and students, hold a high standard of equal, kind and fair treatment of ALL students. Hold the teachers accountable for how they treat their students. As you know, teachers can have a profound effect on children both positive and negative.
I absolutely HATED school. After leaving Clague, embittered and devalued by relentless cruelty and verbal attacks not only by this time but several other teachers as well, I graduated high school from Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park Illinois and never set foot in another school again. I will always have a horrible negative taste in my mouth for public education as a result of my experience. As a principal you have the ability to ensure no child leaves school feeling dehumanize, devalued and worthless as I did leaving Clague Junior High.
I can say one good thing about my experience there it is: Mr Pipkin gave me the vocabulary bug! I love words and I feel like I use some proficiently in spite of Ms Stein! Do better than she di, the kids are counting on you!
Sincerely,
Jamiela Cuellar-Posey
Kelly Davidson • May 7, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Congratulations Dr. Harvell! This is a tremendous accomplishment, and it was interesting to read about your inspiration for pursuing your doctorate and future goals. You are a wonderful role model for the students of Clague Middle School. Great article!
Somebody • Apr 29, 2024 at 5:19 pm
Go Dr. Harvell!
Anonymous • Apr 30, 2024 at 11:27 am
Yes!