Reverend Mitchell Stevens, Xavier University of Louisiana’s interfaith chaplain for the Office of Campus Ministry, has added a new, prestigious title to his name: Doctor. As a full-time staff member of Xavier, Rev. Stevens decided to enroll in the Doctor of Educational Leadership program. In April of 2024, Rev. Stevens successfully defended his dissertation and graduated with his Ed.D. in May, officially becoming Rev. Dr. Mitchell Stevens. 

For Rev. Dr. Stevens, working full-time while attending university classes was challenging at times, but he was able to take what he learned in the classroom and apply it to his everyday work. The process sometimes demanded personal sacrifices, and Rev. Dr. Stevens was able to develop a deeper understanding of the educational landscape and cultivate a deeper sense of his purpose in education, surrounded by his supportive network of colleagues and peers. 

“Completing my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree while working full-time in the Office of Campus Ministry at Xavier University was both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience,” said Rev. Dr. Stevens, “Despite the intensity of juggling both roles, I was driven by a passion for education and a desire to make a meaningful impact. This journey was marked by long hours, late nights, and the occasional sacrifice of personal and family time, but it was also filled with moments of profound learning, personal growth, and professional development.”  

When contacted for a comment, Rev. Dr. Stevens sent a thoughtful, spiritual response, copied below: 

“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning” Ecclesiastes 7:8 

“Completing my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree while working full-time in the Office of Campus Ministry at Xavier University was both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program with the responsibilities of my professional role required careful time management, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to my goals. 

Working at Xavier provided a unique advantage, as I had direct access to a supportive network of colleagues and resources. My dual role allowed me to bridge theory and practice, applying insights from my coursework to real-world scenarios within my job and vice versa.  

Despite the intensity of juggling both roles, I was driven by a passion for education and a desire to make a meaningful impact. This journey was marked by long hours, late nights, and the occasional sacrifice of personal and family time, but it was also filled with moments of profound learning, personal growth, and professional development. 

Through this process, I developed a deeper understanding of the educational landscape, honed my research skills, and cultivated a stronger sense of purpose in my work. The experience underscored the importance of perseverance and adaptability. 

In the end, earning my Doctor of Education degree was a testament to the power of dedication and the transformative potential of education. It reinforced my belief in lifelong learning and equipped me with the knowledge and skills to continue making a positive impact as a pastor, chaplain and mentor.” 

Congratulations again to the Rev. Dr. Mitchell Stevens on his outstanding achievement!